tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74986932024-03-19T04:36:26.138+00:00The Natural StoneMainly a pictoral nature diary. Enjoy.
All images are © <a href="mailto: brianhstone at btinternet.com">Brian Stone</a>.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.comBlogger1136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-67066646529565663182024-01-14T23:04:00.001+00:002024-01-15T11:07:50.394+00:00Atlantic Canary, San Marcos, Tenerife<p> Atlantic Canary is so common around here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GyJTwX60WZ0" width="320" youtube-src-id="GyJTwX60WZ0"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-21576177095832822562024-01-14T18:36:00.001+00:002024-01-14T18:36:09.476+00:00Risso's Dolphins, San Marcos, Tenerife<p>Settled on the north coast of Tenerife for a month. Seabirds are virtually non existent (a Kittiwake passing yesterday was a surprise and the only thing other than Yellow-legged Gull so far). However there have been plenty of dolphins. A distant pod of what may have been Striped Dolphin a few days ago, a nice close pod of Risso's Dolphins on Friday and, presumably the same ones, today. Also a distant party of what looked like Bottle-nosed today.</p><p>The video is not great quality I'm afraid but you get the idea.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JpQW_j8yYvE" width="320" youtube-src-id="JpQW_j8yYvE"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-50884181992403464972022-12-02T13:37:00.001+00:002022-12-02T13:37:27.236+00:00Red-flanked Bluetail, Deeping Lakes LNR<p>Yesterday evening news came through of a Red-flanked Bluetail at a local nature reserve just down the road two days earlier. Surely it couldn't still be present. But, along with a few others I was there in the morning searching and, incredibly, there it was. A species that would once have had people travelling the length of the country to see, right here in the Peterborough area. Extremely confiding and calling occasionally, this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.</p><p>Also known by the perhaps better name Orange-flanked Bush-robin, this is now a regular autumn migrant to the UK, usually in very small numbers, mainly from the increasing east Scandinavian population. But perhaps this later arrival is from further east as the range extends all the way to the Pacific coast. Inland records are very rare and this is unusually late in the year. I wonder if it will try to over-winter here.</p><p>My previous sightings have been in the UK despite them overwintering in Northern Thailand. I'll be looking out for them when I'm back there in January; they are always a joy to see.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FyqoBx9DZEcsz5Hub-ncPm-HJ7DYK2a4EUkXZgOm5mZhbHkTlElU5rbWubCcSs1LfHv_CZZva2VsV6x65SIll89ezb66UNhf8LREBXguAyTap8p6mLGA5XbITFp6B4A4ImRwMCLB46zKFQAEspMDh1wlxbVEHvGrYnnWaWuUqVJvi4V1Ng/s1440/red-flanked_bluetail_2dec22_1440p_4507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1136" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FyqoBx9DZEcsz5Hub-ncPm-HJ7DYK2a4EUkXZgOm5mZhbHkTlElU5rbWubCcSs1LfHv_CZZva2VsV6x65SIll89ezb66UNhf8LREBXguAyTap8p6mLGA5XbITFp6B4A4ImRwMCLB46zKFQAEspMDh1wlxbVEHvGrYnnWaWuUqVJvi4V1Ng/w315-h400/red-flanked_bluetail_2dec22_1440p_4507.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-702MqkiiYj74TLygaqXlH3arQGgp3-SVsdxYsmu2VNcPlfjRNruzbQwOBpyCeAfEq_59rOp1MhB3gmynWqJx4i-Zrms395D0-SM16-WUl_iBtCYiqoM-wasuSu4DeOfc-n7KQmxrpHriD89323jjgVX-qUzNd4ZkeeBgwbgBZoGpiYAgQ/s2092/red-flanked_bluetail_2dec22_2000l_4515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2092" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-702MqkiiYj74TLygaqXlH3arQGgp3-SVsdxYsmu2VNcPlfjRNruzbQwOBpyCeAfEq_59rOp1MhB3gmynWqJx4i-Zrms395D0-SM16-WUl_iBtCYiqoM-wasuSu4DeOfc-n7KQmxrpHriD89323jjgVX-qUzNd4ZkeeBgwbgBZoGpiYAgQ/w400-h275/red-flanked_bluetail_2dec22_2000l_4515.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9WTLbQNXgtNyke8o6VsegXjdvxhyX6BGAOPgGw0pIq54yyBWwiPiXO327dinrQZGbIrI_9wc_3NqDHP--5HzVBre8uGBGNjPS56YxmKXYXiQJVvNFku2jSQmElABoHhs6Rr9IdGq9vQbISM6oSqXWwfRvZdLjlU-zSZdhGwbz1Nes3cADQ/s2160/red-flanked_bluetail_2dec22_2160l_4505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="2160" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9WTLbQNXgtNyke8o6VsegXjdvxhyX6BGAOPgGw0pIq54yyBWwiPiXO327dinrQZGbIrI_9wc_3NqDHP--5HzVBre8uGBGNjPS56YxmKXYXiQJVvNFku2jSQmElABoHhs6Rr9IdGq9vQbISM6oSqXWwfRvZdLjlU-zSZdhGwbz1Nes3cADQ/w400-h265/red-flanked_bluetail_2dec22_2160l_4505.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-flanked Bluetail <i>Tarsiger cyanurus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-21989318417182466892022-03-05T13:49:00.003+00:002022-11-27T11:56:46.719+00:00Tenerife<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHXhoevILryxCeQ3nVH-unIvlHt7HezKaPb1BiWHK1AQPJ_zYf5-oXXk11WKM1399sHRBT3meuY25qYPQkmwclUfiGX6fetkD5HyYoOgvY7s2eb0iGKhw5aaPR_MNS91rqbpMwKujEwym-XB_8xS3e8Th-iAI4jzOQPbcarheQ134MwMMFA/s2160/barranco_del_rio_7feb22_2160l_2090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="2160" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHXhoevILryxCeQ3nVH-unIvlHt7HezKaPb1BiWHK1AQPJ_zYf5-oXXk11WKM1399sHRBT3meuY25qYPQkmwclUfiGX6fetkD5HyYoOgvY7s2eb0iGKhw5aaPR_MNS91rqbpMwKujEwym-XB_8xS3e8Th-iAI4jzOQPbcarheQ134MwMMFA/w320-h216/barranco_del_rio_7feb22_2160l_2090.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Landing at Tenerife North airport was a massive shock visually after the profoundly arid landscape of Fuerteventura. So green!! It took about a week to get over the novelty.<p></p><p>Our base for the month was at Bajamar on the north coast of the Anaga peninsula in the northeast of the island. A good base for exploring the wetter, forested mountains but we had a car so were able to travel further afield.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><b>Bajamar</b><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiILa4dGQOzy2rYzZio8920jFIvYTjKmYBzppopctZfKe6DEHKInKfetcWo9RRP33Jgi56CnAKXkn6c1xfITmkzOkiztDbG6iAcNbTe-QxHbWjdMfpiRIwhtHf8uV-44KPo6KlCJLM4_mUHKKjtVhTbjGrskP2oR3wpEXQQbebuPU54dwqHA/s2048/272982588_10223437972112272_7219344731474579690_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="2048" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiILa4dGQOzy2rYzZio8920jFIvYTjKmYBzppopctZfKe6DEHKInKfetcWo9RRP33Jgi56CnAKXkn6c1xfITmkzOkiztDbG6iAcNbTe-QxHbWjdMfpiRIwhtHf8uV-44KPo6KlCJLM4_mUHKKjtVhTbjGrskP2oR3wpEXQQbebuPU54dwqHA/w400-h185/272982588_10223437972112272_7219344731474579690_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The immediate surroundings of our apartment were mainly small scale agriculture and held some good wildlife. One of the first birds encountered was <b>Canary Islands Chiffchaff</b>, the unfamiliar song heard from the balcony immediately drawing my attention. Very common on the island in most areas.<p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI2loeqitST7Q5KSnogLVDbDG8yP0V0iAGpP2KC17ONIDGriMNXbcLfhYiazl2ROxVnQa3dbX9ZT9B9UJ7yn5mmVUxf3ZZhaksaZW8QQCArpYxh7ceMhNF2Erm_5XRyp_laAFI0TnTbab3bF4ov4zYjUWkG4ysOQ5uikWFNkrTpYA1Z8m1A/s2160/canary_islands_chiffchaff_2marb22_2160l_2428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="2160" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI2loeqitST7Q5KSnogLVDbDG8yP0V0iAGpP2KC17ONIDGriMNXbcLfhYiazl2ROxVnQa3dbX9ZT9B9UJ7yn5mmVUxf3ZZhaksaZW8QQCArpYxh7ceMhNF2Erm_5XRyp_laAFI0TnTbab3bF4ov4zYjUWkG4ysOQ5uikWFNkrTpYA1Z8m1A/w400-h264/canary_islands_chiffchaff_2marb22_2160l_2428.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Islands Chiffchaff <i>Phylloscopus canariensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Atlantic Canary was also very common throughout and 1 Greenfinch here was my only sighting.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6v8nT8_eseA4rHAEDFRoZIbO3uEtYEOoWQ9SdyYaaVIJhstgd8PCMRTrSj17MsQayvP85MMf4IPprGVQYiIJdNjmDheiMyvZHT5IswUiSyK_uOm1I9w3F5tFrK418Jaw1-IR7DHAkn0hvxxJufZ3YlclqX7klCCpMEC2j8-xEnfMW0y717w/s2160/atlantic_canary_14feb22_2160l_2244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="2160" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6v8nT8_eseA4rHAEDFRoZIbO3uEtYEOoWQ9SdyYaaVIJhstgd8PCMRTrSj17MsQayvP85MMf4IPprGVQYiIJdNjmDheiMyvZHT5IswUiSyK_uOm1I9w3F5tFrK418Jaw1-IR7DHAkn0hvxxJufZ3YlclqX7klCCpMEC2j8-xEnfMW0y717w/w400-h266/atlantic_canary_14feb22_2160l_2244.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Canary <i>Serinus canaria</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><p>Up to 5 Common Kestrel around this area with others seen elsewhere around the island. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89ppH65ee-s2gD7XlgM6_l-6Ru-lrBe_u17lwbokNNvyBTc6auebqAwmPsXLB0r11sOby553W-UCLHFRa5PP5jdvpxjg1smEz7x8YvZid6Mkerh6E9U4wQTZCvKVJ9DeeiEz1M9yHgWqzq9MrG-RP65sGkxw8RoW-svjdFb0BTioPJQYioQ/s2160/common_kestrel_canariensis_17feb22_2160l_2311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1397" data-original-width="2160" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89ppH65ee-s2gD7XlgM6_l-6Ru-lrBe_u17lwbokNNvyBTc6auebqAwmPsXLB0r11sOby553W-UCLHFRa5PP5jdvpxjg1smEz7x8YvZid6Mkerh6E9U4wQTZCvKVJ9DeeiEz1M9yHgWqzq9MrG-RP65sGkxw8RoW-svjdFb0BTioPJQYioQ/w400-h259/common_kestrel_canariensis_17feb22_2160l_2311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39VIC2fezfWyLsBmmUZ9ZhGiscHt5w43omL_gb1tQCh5TtqrTLHeqbpmvnuE0X1uHo47NwmxhINn9ADFsVVekhUHA30e7GQ1oLa9i1lxmPl61PNSI7waqN59WrkCHCoAZ_fg7v22GqAvRfYw4kL7fh7Y7DNLbvIhQ0Oj-ZpKKVX-4WZFU4w/s2160/common_kestrel_canariensis_20feb22_2160l_2339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="2160" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39VIC2fezfWyLsBmmUZ9ZhGiscHt5w43omL_gb1tQCh5TtqrTLHeqbpmvnuE0X1uHo47NwmxhINn9ADFsVVekhUHA30e7GQ1oLa9i1lxmPl61PNSI7waqN59WrkCHCoAZ_fg7v22GqAvRfYw4kL7fh7Y7DNLbvIhQ0Oj-ZpKKVX-4WZFU4w/w400-h235/common_kestrel_canariensis_20feb22_2160l_2339.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Kestrel <i>Falco tinnunculus canariensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Four Barbary Partridge were in the area (one of four sightings during the month).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlJAm5bED9quZxbt71hSV_7MeO8Bwwxl4fIxwV5s1qgnnMSTSQy9W63D-fv5KwfOI_wlJpEPfg0i8ZkSEWxAnnsr4jdESgTVD32ymM2hkCobO9sjPoo8zmyXZ6kB-y1NcUz8JJ8IwWrjEoDCE4NUoRcoembaB7nBlY4TaKpwsZvkIhRFrSg/s2160/barbary_partridge_14feb22_2160l_2229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="2160" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlJAm5bED9quZxbt71hSV_7MeO8Bwwxl4fIxwV5s1qgnnMSTSQy9W63D-fv5KwfOI_wlJpEPfg0i8ZkSEWxAnnsr4jdESgTVD32ymM2hkCobO9sjPoo8zmyXZ6kB-y1NcUz8JJ8IwWrjEoDCE4NUoRcoembaB7nBlY4TaKpwsZvkIhRFrSg/w400-h278/barbary_partridge_14feb22_2160l_2229.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMIwCVs_v4fJm-63XXkeawRUl24GdUJHjj5oFx1eur6K6sGvX3AKVmHloDV_DhPIBrdckwvu4qUCRQGbqvcWNGzNYKd8vbJ1q7ftvAYGASZC8xUVwIXwac8sL-ylvnBIG0IYw4DBblOHpzuDoJB3jVZ613icHI07uEPlL8FOKD_rkslwRZw/s2160/barbary_partridge_14feb22_2160l_2233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2160" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMIwCVs_v4fJm-63XXkeawRUl24GdUJHjj5oFx1eur6K6sGvX3AKVmHloDV_DhPIBrdckwvu4qUCRQGbqvcWNGzNYKd8vbJ1q7ftvAYGASZC8xUVwIXwac8sL-ylvnBIG0IYw4DBblOHpzuDoJB3jVZ613icHI07uEPlL8FOKD_rkslwRZw/w400-h268/barbary_partridge_14feb22_2160l_2233.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbary Partridge <i>Alectoris barbara</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This was the only place we encountered West Canary Skink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ88WmSgEBbMvTRX-6yCozT3EGuB4gcH39gpWViamYHN0xKqeXDR3m_bEXHo2IvDFOM6Qjd9hfbrgvk9NgFjz8Zs-gsC_1qNOZ6Es7V6ZSOLMRENQwVqOK7MI7gnUQ_9aNEyoULYLAfemzaOAOKhGxhs52bI3tt1pJN4IDQmEXkKi4ZI8AIQ/s1440/west_canary_skink_14feb22_1440s_2227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="1440" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ88WmSgEBbMvTRX-6yCozT3EGuB4gcH39gpWViamYHN0xKqeXDR3m_bEXHo2IvDFOM6Qjd9hfbrgvk9NgFjz8Zs-gsC_1qNOZ6Es7V6ZSOLMRENQwVqOK7MI7gnUQ_9aNEyoULYLAfemzaOAOKhGxhs52bI3tt1pJN4IDQmEXkKi4ZI8AIQ/w400-h395/west_canary_skink_14feb22_1440s_2227.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IJfrUqFocBZEWvjlNiGKk5b8YdCrxL01UH6FA-st_poyx_2WuH6EgAGB7pBOZMgxWtgW1eg7alyTFnFm7dD6oKyZ0GKe29QE5TVJSm5ZBqfdnDbxZkzW_COlyq-36smAq97AjqkL8IaBtMl31mjKP0FOHhu5GCWM9BYJ7GFeLVsFjBsgEA/s2160/west_canary_skink_14feb22_2160ww_2236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="2160" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IJfrUqFocBZEWvjlNiGKk5b8YdCrxL01UH6FA-st_poyx_2WuH6EgAGB7pBOZMgxWtgW1eg7alyTFnFm7dD6oKyZ0GKe29QE5TVJSm5ZBqfdnDbxZkzW_COlyq-36smAq97AjqkL8IaBtMl31mjKP0FOHhu5GCWM9BYJ7GFeLVsFjBsgEA/w400-h233/west_canary_skink_14feb22_2160ww_2236.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">West Canary Skink </span><i>Chalcides viridanus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><b>Balsas de Tejina</b></div><div><p>Nearby are a few reservoirs, not all accessible, the best of which is at the roundabout leaving Tejina towards Bajamar. Three Black-crowned Night-herons were there on the 5th and a single Glossy Ibis on two dates. A Garganey was present throughout. Three African Blue Tits also here on one date.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfRb6is-N0LidDs5bWiAMatpJQ9M79vGHQ374z6DS0wuRBMik0dR2ZBzu07jjh2IOxcxLNTnYGM9Ckuoso5g0skISO8m79ibm6fqSApPEfws8UEPMSRVVr0WK-ISmMmefP8LXVgcrYJxY5SuCVFOLzLhtYB5OAsa_BJTa7mIyB2p0IvYXdA/s2160/african_blue_tit_10feb22_2160l_2171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2160" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfRb6is-N0LidDs5bWiAMatpJQ9M79vGHQ374z6DS0wuRBMik0dR2ZBzu07jjh2IOxcxLNTnYGM9Ckuoso5g0skISO8m79ibm6fqSApPEfws8UEPMSRVVr0WK-ISmMmefP8LXVgcrYJxY5SuCVFOLzLhtYB5OAsa_BJTa7mIyB2p0IvYXdA/w400-h259/african_blue_tit_10feb22_2160l_2171.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Blue Tit <i>Cyanistes teneriffae</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>A few Cattle Egrets were usually around this area and a roost of 80 estimated at one of the smaller reservoirs nearby. Eurasian Coot, Moorhen, Grey Heron and Little Egret also recorded. Up to two Barbary Falcons showed here and at Punta del Hidalgo as well as further south along the coast at El Sauzal.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Punta del Hidalgo</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpEJzHzSYZiczelCtqIX_H_H-48gsLbPUdrWs3phYxk-p0A91mvGN9ptqaMDTiAOTK8f6UKo8Rtnu-2tVZ4HzoVgqJ-qQNVCqcL8Z7w2Y_UpWcLS-pYjF6j0IXf8MdgvJeDiUB0ZIAugzjs-D9wEnEQUU5jc1Wsml2Zi8ph1HJnNAQV9nCw/s2112/punta_del_hidalgo_9feb22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="2112" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpEJzHzSYZiczelCtqIX_H_H-48gsLbPUdrWs3phYxk-p0A91mvGN9ptqaMDTiAOTK8f6UKo8Rtnu-2tVZ4HzoVgqJ-qQNVCqcL8Z7w2Y_UpWcLS-pYjF6j0IXf8MdgvJeDiUB0ZIAugzjs-D9wEnEQUU5jc1Wsml2Zi8ph1HJnNAQV9nCw/s320/punta_del_hidalgo_9feb22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Seawatching was always going to be a big part of my time here and the headland at the nearby lighthouse had two seawatching hides facing north or NW. Despite many pleasant hours here the passing seabirds were almost exclusively Cory's Shearwaters. Evenings had the highest numbers peaking at 360 per hour moving north. The Cory's didn't quite have it all their own way though. On the 9th I picked up a "Little Shearwater" heading north not far out. I recorded it as Barolo Shearwater at the time but since then I've seen a photo of a bird passing nearby a few weeks later that was identifiable as Boyd's. However my bird showed a very clear white "face" isolating the dark eye and Barolo is the more likely candidate. Seems decent photos are becoming more and more necessary on seawatches to be sure of some tricky species.</div><div><p>I did get one other shearwater. On 27th February a Manx Shearwater flew north (the only sighting). This showed very well and had rather dark underwings consistent with the putative "canariensis" subspecies described in <a href="https://avianhybrids.wordpress.com/2021/06/16/a-new-subspecies-of-manx-shearwater-from-the-canary-islands/" target="_blank">this paper</a>. The local population of Manx breed earlier than northern birds and nest inland among the laurel forests. It may be <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235952085_Status_and_conservation_requirements_of_Manx_Shearwaters_Puffinus_puffinus_on_Tenerife_Canary_Islands" target="_blank">severely threatened</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ2qLQOkbl3SyvGSzgf_yLsnj-80caHlRCOwJWa7CdPJqWv-qSwERjKNuN2hK4CwjsbBQt9xHKlPvFSd4Xj9BDDBZ3TX2EG2Z2ssBKFcwnjAEKjhhm4Hd0Q7KfodtJe4JkFVekQYRsUwb7cbWS6JmFJ0U9qlourVfIxpk3aMyJg1OGlCTkg/s2018/whimbrel_11feb22_2018l_2187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2018" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ2qLQOkbl3SyvGSzgf_yLsnj-80caHlRCOwJWa7CdPJqWv-qSwERjKNuN2hK4CwjsbBQt9xHKlPvFSd4Xj9BDDBZ3TX2EG2Z2ssBKFcwnjAEKjhhm4Hd0Q7KfodtJe4JkFVekQYRsUwb7cbWS6JmFJ0U9qlourVfIxpk3aMyJg1OGlCTkg/s320/whimbrel_11feb22_2018l_2187.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Otherwise I recorded 2 Gannets each on two days and the most bizarre sighting; a Barbary Partridge flying over the sea close inshore, which then landed and swam on the sea for while.<p></p><p>This rocky stretch of coast also had up to 3 Grey Plover, 9 Common Ringed Plover, 6 Whimbrel, 11 Turnstone and 2 Common Sandpiper. It was also one of the only places I saw Spanish Sparrow (up to 4) and Berthelot's Pipit (2).</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Parque Rural de Anaga</b></p><p>One of the advantages of being based in the north of the island was being close to the Anaga Rural Park; one of the better areas to search for the two endemic pigeons of the island. Multiple visits may be necessary as the weather in these mountains often closed in shrouding everything in cloud and making viewing impossible.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i1PLACfKjlAqPlLoVND04bEkYaj4mlQsZJRKRG9jEkL62tj_e21Mogmj3ysD5joeAnOeNvxvyqNhHpD24qnOdIRipAP2pRqJ1mGeeaubWBcYarqmSJqSZ3jpx82rWJsKCTfEfbSPwHRJSGBWcLH5ayCzwRjq9fuL7QOwVB0gDDADs3Rg6Q/s4000/1669154377175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i1PLACfKjlAqPlLoVND04bEkYaj4mlQsZJRKRG9jEkL62tj_e21Mogmj3ysD5joeAnOeNvxvyqNhHpD24qnOdIRipAP2pRqJ1mGeeaubWBcYarqmSJqSZ3jpx82rWJsKCTfEfbSPwHRJSGBWcLH5ayCzwRjq9fuL7QOwVB0gDDADs3Rg6Q/w400-h185/1669154377175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>On my first two visits I saw single <b>Laurel Pigeon</b>s at Los Batanes (at the lower edge of the laurel forest) and Pico de Inglés. But it took a third visit, once again watching from the excellent viewpoint of Pico de Inglés, to locate a single <b>Bolle's Pigeon</b>. On this longer stake out 3 Laurel Pigeons showed, one of them repeatedly rather close and often obscured by the trees directly below and often calling/singing. It was occasionally possible to see one perched. Then, as I was driving back through dense woodland close to this spot, a Bolle's Pigeon flew out and directly along the road in front of the car extremely close.<p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyYrrYVWXsdmt8Ued5To9BxvNUKtVvin1oiJufP2VnkZw1fdPbNuLAhajFbSdaEWNTngSFPoS_FqkUONrTmcNDp5P69bsQesKNCg5T4Qr-Qm-J26vrWqTWtUgkETkYCr5ePLvw4xaNZjcuoBFLvg7kiXS3reUNxVodVsO2ZJIMfqKM4MMOQ/s2160/canary_islands_chaffinch_6feb22_2160l_2079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="2160" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyYrrYVWXsdmt8Ued5To9BxvNUKtVvin1oiJufP2VnkZw1fdPbNuLAhajFbSdaEWNTngSFPoS_FqkUONrTmcNDp5P69bsQesKNCg5T4Qr-Qm-J26vrWqTWtUgkETkYCr5ePLvw4xaNZjcuoBFLvg7kiXS3reUNxVodVsO2ZJIMfqKM4MMOQ/w400-h274/canary_islands_chaffinch_6feb22_2160l_2079.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Islands Chaffinch <i>Fringilla coelebs canariensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Also on this last visit there were around 100 Plain Swifts swirling around the steep slopes. I also noted distant Swifts on the drive up and down the road from Las Mercedes on other days but otherwise only encountered them once at Playa de Las Americas.</p><p>Other species seen here were Common Buzzard, Raven, Canary Island Chiffchaff, Tenerife Goldcrest, Blackbird, European Robin and the rather splendid Canary Island race of Common Chaffinch.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZxrJgXWybixrk3J_nqBtO4UPmuriOJ8YTJABz5DBZzsG3Nts2B-SGNp9CjQa2leWs0onSMZkBeAJaUpC1jSQkMHLVibFyGtWZdRu2THR1TmBoPxpMaMCPURn2Vfr35x-8Z5NW7ymXlziPTw4Pg9Dfj7HySbGrV2zjWFsmvg8oGV2xk9YAQ/s2160/tenerife_blue_chaffinch_10feb22_2160l_2166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2160" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZxrJgXWybixrk3J_nqBtO4UPmuriOJ8YTJABz5DBZzsG3Nts2B-SGNp9CjQa2leWs0onSMZkBeAJaUpC1jSQkMHLVibFyGtWZdRu2THR1TmBoPxpMaMCPURn2Vfr35x-8Z5NW7ymXlziPTw4Pg9Dfj7HySbGrV2zjWFsmvg8oGV2xk9YAQ/w400-h259/tenerife_blue_chaffinch_10feb22_2160l_2166.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tenerife Blue Chaffinch <i>Fringilla teydea</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Las Raices</b></p><p>This Área recreativa is in the northern tip of the Corona forestal, an extensive region of (largely replanted) pine forest at an altitude of 1-2000m surrounding the central plain and volcano. The hiking routes around here are easy and in open pine woodland, a pleasant change from the dense laurel forests where views are hard to come by. Birdlife was fairly thin on the ground while walking in the forest but around the car parks and picnic areas there were up to 6 <b>Tenerife Blue Chaffinch</b>.</p><p>There was also a Canary Islands Common Chaffinch here, 2 Tenerife Goldcrests and 4 <i>canariensis</i> Great Spotted Woodpeckers. African Blue Tit was particularly numerous here with up to 11. A Barbary Falcon also flew over.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT2m9jrV6V5BbA_bLr2J_dOHCFfTEcJsjhVK28KEtw0QZuZd_U_qGSUIv4gkaSt6yx9jfrVMElsIbbWhlOTne8XqjCH7tBTHR3CSw8jTGoS7uHZxi7d4oOsC30h9Ee-y_GW5oyDtq74DLwpPtHWTTFSeLI3pUeC_PhLAFoXCfrWMy4zpvaA/s1440/great_spotted_woodpecker_canariensis_10feb22_1440p_2128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT2m9jrV6V5BbA_bLr2J_dOHCFfTEcJsjhVK28KEtw0QZuZd_U_qGSUIv4gkaSt6yx9jfrVMElsIbbWhlOTne8XqjCH7tBTHR3CSw8jTGoS7uHZxi7d4oOsC30h9Ee-y_GW5oyDtq74DLwpPtHWTTFSeLI3pUeC_PhLAFoXCfrWMy4zpvaA/w340-h400/great_spotted_woodpecker_canariensis_10feb22_1440p_2128.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcQIu4JEen2Dg5xSCuIxFUY1U1sMVsATlTAn6nMiGv06NUvQUJPP8Eva-amBJzTXARmsydsd0ORG_TQA4p5CNU5ybU0lUo7KdQyoNVXPoQYv7hKE7cc7vnc5ITJavAadpIMembxQemJOTHVymPTbUpLFjLy859doEj8aFCMZzohl4VLc-Xw/s1440/great_spotted_woodpecker_canariensis_10feb22_1440p_2143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1177" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcQIu4JEen2Dg5xSCuIxFUY1U1sMVsATlTAn6nMiGv06NUvQUJPP8Eva-amBJzTXARmsydsd0ORG_TQA4p5CNU5ybU0lUo7KdQyoNVXPoQYv7hKE7cc7vnc5ITJavAadpIMembxQemJOTHVymPTbUpLFjLy859doEj8aFCMZzohl4VLc-Xw/w328-h400/great_spotted_woodpecker_canariensis_10feb22_1440p_2143.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExtHy7oD5CdFgya4ADxedKQMfRT7QIsQ1Eo-Izl1LszVXY7nlzXLzQ6n6pxeCD2iQR4GELaMlVkE84_VbRum0l7yoeefpveBDluxMfKprGIJh3XaJFjcnOQwKYpoDKH15SYY4APgrA_4df9qlKg3YHNWn_PfZ-tOB1-O6gWW64zgOZJv2UQ/s2160/great_spotted_woodpecker_canariensis_10feb22_2160l_2145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="2160" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExtHy7oD5CdFgya4ADxedKQMfRT7QIsQ1Eo-Izl1LszVXY7nlzXLzQ6n6pxeCD2iQR4GELaMlVkE84_VbRum0l7yoeefpveBDluxMfKprGIJh3XaJFjcnOQwKYpoDKH15SYY4APgrA_4df9qlKg3YHNWn_PfZ-tOB1-O6gWW64zgOZJv2UQ/w400-h283/great_spotted_woodpecker_canariensis_10feb22_2160l_2145.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tenerife Great Spotted Woodpecker <i>Dendrocopos major canariensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span>This was one of only two places we encountered Tenerife Gecko</span><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi--D336y5YFM9bGdA9JXuo1_l9qMCaqPiY3Kl7mCwI5KzBjFXJwTlcK526stG3HY681pnLYEsi9xyw7x20oi92ygW2sXkHRDEggDQ30CmuiB9WXmaoNmsH_AOXKIvFvwnF32A4uwYFWyxdZxAkU4fFbgyutFchp-zLclcsmehEjAOiqihuEg/s1440/tenerife_gecko_10feb22_1440s_2181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi--D336y5YFM9bGdA9JXuo1_l9qMCaqPiY3Kl7mCwI5KzBjFXJwTlcK526stG3HY681pnLYEsi9xyw7x20oi92ygW2sXkHRDEggDQ30CmuiB9WXmaoNmsH_AOXKIvFvwnF32A4uwYFWyxdZxAkU4fFbgyutFchp-zLclcsmehEjAOiqihuEg/w400-h400/tenerife_gecko_10feb22_1440s_2181.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tenerife Gecko <i>Tarentola delalandii</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>We also saw this well at the Barranco de la Cruz, La Quinta (just NE of Puerto de la Cruz), where there were many Tenerife Lizards and a good number of small birds.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhM2P_JMQwbmhl-DPerH0jSn8T_t764UHhAFJPvi9Z2-sCTfdGE9tRl7spTe5aZXH7L5zulHujUdzPMr7GvfrvzrdzOeDrog8_QxlGqGSCFI5DWN1BQ1W19tOofflaQ1mN6Az7D9hlyqpasS3NVH7EhgbWQiivu8MTKEsUTVsy4FrVhOLRDg/s2160/tenerife_gecko_16feb22_2160w_2262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="2160" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhM2P_JMQwbmhl-DPerH0jSn8T_t764UHhAFJPvi9Z2-sCTfdGE9tRl7spTe5aZXH7L5zulHujUdzPMr7GvfrvzrdzOeDrog8_QxlGqGSCFI5DWN1BQ1W19tOofflaQ1mN6Az7D9hlyqpasS3NVH7EhgbWQiivu8MTKEsUTVsy4FrVhOLRDg/s320/tenerife_gecko_16feb22_2160w_2262.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFubxYOo6lHPTS1xykaTNs0NFLPN5P1Fq1hbdnSICK-CfT5N_ho9WlB8cWWVv-bIOcvP6hWhT01hrbrtYypArxJmi3lDlWWc4Y87T7SOOlFs37xPvvaAfNL84Wg3zc3Z_wSieVK084PTkfzvEztg3LtM6ZqU1RV5lB2ZT7KJziOUUquL8Sw/s2160/tenerife_gecko_16feb22_2160l_2266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="2160" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFubxYOo6lHPTS1xykaTNs0NFLPN5P1Fq1hbdnSICK-CfT5N_ho9WlB8cWWVv-bIOcvP6hWhT01hrbrtYypArxJmi3lDlWWc4Y87T7SOOlFs37xPvvaAfNL84Wg3zc3Z_wSieVK084PTkfzvEztg3LtM6ZqU1RV5lB2ZT7KJziOUUquL8Sw/s320/tenerife_gecko_16feb22_2160l_2266.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSjWDymDnjV1eCv9sU-vPBE0xrVRKh5TeIG6FG4KH3ooeX_Z9JtpsjDgGjEs8nxmmpN3Q_RpSn4GHBV5cmSzpbFq5mmYDTeI9ZbOrOTdUpUTgTQfty2YQpWUNFrjYgS-urAzbRb4Vs_GHNyk66YXeQNypCLkpBZ2ABgKxwmXaucBUx5ooyQ/s1440/tenerife_gecko_16feb22_1440s_2265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSjWDymDnjV1eCv9sU-vPBE0xrVRKh5TeIG6FG4KH3ooeX_Z9JtpsjDgGjEs8nxmmpN3Q_RpSn4GHBV5cmSzpbFq5mmYDTeI9ZbOrOTdUpUTgTQfty2YQpWUNFrjYgS-urAzbRb4Vs_GHNyk66YXeQNypCLkpBZ2ABgKxwmXaucBUx5ooyQ/s320/tenerife_gecko_16feb22_1440s_2265.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDSL649JUr5FCs1ydeia5XD_b5mjoQtprl_tQLxKNchMSVdPzZ4cK9k0I0YUmiePvhV6cTGvkWlX5ogXyLculiUD9JYn8Tp4NWtrMGiGW66UiEcFDI3FaJTjLFhnJFWciRON_X10Gv3xRK5P98AA13KlD_fUvJh5j1Nilr9mZ2Z-ht494ow/s960/273882292_475174754072003_571668575893314483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="960" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDSL649JUr5FCs1ydeia5XD_b5mjoQtprl_tQLxKNchMSVdPzZ4cK9k0I0YUmiePvhV6cTGvkWlX5ogXyLculiUD9JYn8Tp4NWtrMGiGW66UiEcFDI3FaJTjLFhnJFWciRON_X10Gv3xRK5P98AA13KlD_fUvJh5j1Nilr9mZ2Z-ht494ow/w400-h185/273882292_475174754072003_571668575893314483_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Teide rising above a sea of cloud</td></tr></tbody></table>El Teide</b></p><p>The jewel in Tenerife's crown is without doubt El Teide. On clear days we could see the mighty peak from our apartment some 43km away. Variable amounts of snow covered the 3715m peak and while my sister and brother inlaw were visiting us we decided to visit and booked the cable car to the summit.</p><p></p><p>The day of the trip was clear and sunny but rather cold and as we reached the Área Recreativa Ramón el Caminero at around dawn we found the gates closed due to icy conditions higher up. To be fair it was like glass in places here at about 1580m too. As time ticked by we were clearly not going to make our booked time for the cable car to the top of the volcano but were told we could rebook for a later time once there. Eventually, after seeing a female Tenerife Blue chaffinch here (and nothing else) we were on our way again through the very impressive scenery of the coronal forest and volcanic "cañadas" plain, all the time with the massive conical peak dominating to the south.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMuA47xzhFkb-qYpSmbm4cxy3IdaCYA1uLQ_-74Q67iY1tf8BVRbrKEO1BLfjyPxokwa_uNknJHGzJsO3uWrq06Jxm8yElIRo8UtlBT5dmYob_-0jqtuz2YGhOMdkBKSAAGOIVXbyox1O6Q5WGklDkjk4Z4Z5JqzxdFM2RZ20w9-eTrcR6A/s960/1669475980759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMuA47xzhFkb-qYpSmbm4cxy3IdaCYA1uLQ_-74Q67iY1tf8BVRbrKEO1BLfjyPxokwa_uNknJHGzJsO3uWrq06Jxm8yElIRo8UtlBT5dmYob_-0jqtuz2YGhOMdkBKSAAGOIVXbyox1O6Q5WGklDkjk4Z4Z5JqzxdFM2RZ20w9-eTrcR6A/s320/1669475980759.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>We got to the cable car car park and after some confusion got booked on but while waiting in the queue the whole thing was shut down due to adverse conditions at the top. It was just too cold and windy and even those that had managed to get up there were not able to leave the terminal. In the end that would have been a very expensive trip so we were quite glad to accept the refund and enjoy the rest of the time walking in the dramatic volcanic landscape. Wildlife was limited to one Common Kestrel and an unidentified small bird that may have been a Berthelot's Pipit.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM_VLK91qLFgobzYPzDRnE0pNEoBT3-d_v-uOrSHkQpJcJfVsys7-8xWEseGui9LwrPlWdVC16N0BsoIR3oJu77K8d2J6w1HuhRmf5hj8UoeHrSjmramp-U3XL5wD9vTrq2FdGACjjBvWldwvmSdoUaZFNgVjhVMS8oO3QOHTRuqhWtO6qA/s4000/1669475980692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM_VLK91qLFgobzYPzDRnE0pNEoBT3-d_v-uOrSHkQpJcJfVsys7-8xWEseGui9LwrPlWdVC16N0BsoIR3oJu77K8d2J6w1HuhRmf5hj8UoeHrSjmramp-U3XL5wD9vTrq2FdGACjjBvWldwvmSdoUaZFNgVjhVMS8oO3QOHTRuqhWtO6qA/w400-h185/1669475980692.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfqQQ4gkhw2FhySwsFqjg1pU05ICs2bQcEFBucAdyC_cWmKmt1cqK72kmP4OPughvIKmeUBeya550RqmsI2KaTBev25UOon0ZnB-8xKlG4Yv9v_8XrY3sSU2-QuRXwR_dnGBkLeJ7NGvps6qyWQRd2ztcp3R7IkbuxUt99C0hVrz08BIIXA/s3264/1669475980705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfqQQ4gkhw2FhySwsFqjg1pU05ICs2bQcEFBucAdyC_cWmKmt1cqK72kmP4OPughvIKmeUBeya550RqmsI2KaTBev25UOon0ZnB-8xKlG4Yv9v_8XrY3sSU2-QuRXwR_dnGBkLeJ7NGvps6qyWQRd2ztcp3R7IkbuxUt99C0hVrz08BIIXA/w400-h184/1669475980705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Playa de las Americas</b></p><p>We always fancied a trip to the south of the island. While picking up and delivering Jane and David from the airport we were struck by the difference in the climate; so much warmer and drier. Then news came of a wintering Semipalmated Plover - a species I'd been researching, while keeping a close eye on all the Common Ringed Plovers I'd been seeing. So we drove the hour or so to a very busy Playa de las Americas and spent the day there.</p><p>I found the waders and eventually located a much slimmer bird (especially seen head on) with a very narrow yellowish eye ring and rather narrow breast band, uniform in width. Outer palmations were visible but seeing the inner palmations was extremely difficult and I had, inexplicably, left my camera with Karen while I negotiated the rocky shore, so this feature wasn't particularly helpful. I did note more white in the lores though but not the shape of white above the gape. Photos would have been very helpful but, along with hearing the rather Spotted Redshank like sharp high "ch-wit", convinced of the ID of <b>Semipalmated Plover</b>. A species I'd like to see again well enough to photograph.</p><p>I did make another trip to the same spot a couple of days later to try again for photos but the tide state meant most waders were roosting well out of range on a breakwater. On that visit though I did get superb scope views of several <b>Long-finned Pilot Whale</b>.</p><p>Other waders were Common Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Sanderling, Whimbrel, Grey Plover, 1 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper, with many Cory's Shearwaters, a few Gannets, a few Black-headed Gulls and up to 50 Sandwich Terns offshore. In the town were a handful of Plain Swifts around palms, Ring-necked Parakeet and the only Hoopoe of the stay.</p><p><b>Other Wildlife</b></p><p><b>Tenerife Lizard<i> </i><i>Gallotia galloti</i></b></p><p>This was pretty common throughout the island and often easy to photograph. Quite a difference in appearance depending on age.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayPsESHeVjb2_6XbnSZK6ZllIq0j2Zxo1-Y3JGXC7XfX7AgHuSw62VOd19io7sEZ-kESnYcrkcRPfkGtjPOLUbA6jGKs20yNoYdI2giQNnQ-tBAnaJp7li7gCHjwHyX0QlErTYp3NE2ku1n_DdZ3gsxupc05w26ZTdcXpm0XuTPJwXaVyrw/s2160/tenerife_lizard_6feb22_2160W_2032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="2160" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayPsESHeVjb2_6XbnSZK6ZllIq0j2Zxo1-Y3JGXC7XfX7AgHuSw62VOd19io7sEZ-kESnYcrkcRPfkGtjPOLUbA6jGKs20yNoYdI2giQNnQ-tBAnaJp7li7gCHjwHyX0QlErTYp3NE2ku1n_DdZ3gsxupc05w26ZTdcXpm0XuTPJwXaVyrw/w400-h243/tenerife_lizard_6feb22_2160W_2032.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GXjdPcPiJEZvRAlzm4zILVkGsXVvDwtpNlKAf8z6OQRtlO6fqNpSwq6s31bYFF7E0yWqc0_EzAp-phIjy1pabMplfoHpq5SwceQbrpTESJ6D0gwZYrPppRaLHBqqy7089cBq5CQ58hyy6Z0Q5fPBCSRp-2PnU7sXfC-y9XJQggu1hkwsBg/s1572/tenerife_lizard_7feb22_1440s_2108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1572" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GXjdPcPiJEZvRAlzm4zILVkGsXVvDwtpNlKAf8z6OQRtlO6fqNpSwq6s31bYFF7E0yWqc0_EzAp-phIjy1pabMplfoHpq5SwceQbrpTESJ6D0gwZYrPppRaLHBqqy7089cBq5CQ58hyy6Z0Q5fPBCSRp-2PnU7sXfC-y9XJQggu1hkwsBg/w400-h366/tenerife_lizard_7feb22_1440s_2108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8_vCW8LqTTam1DpTu-veR6TOvtqVXsJF0fgzmtUF9zdA9PgLBuPuffOK5FU8Jd04ueHCBAwo0SHCDxqfAUjAWZ1IpJNOMGLO4ZnsNkJQTuTEgwfX3QdrSbHhe7vthgnRYzuZqEZTzEtaKS_xXUykBhO73q14P9DjyS0EVmHfWryA2A-4jw/s2160/tenerife_lizard_7feb22_2160l_2108.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="2160" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8_vCW8LqTTam1DpTu-veR6TOvtqVXsJF0fgzmtUF9zdA9PgLBuPuffOK5FU8Jd04ueHCBAwo0SHCDxqfAUjAWZ1IpJNOMGLO4ZnsNkJQTuTEgwfX3QdrSbHhe7vthgnRYzuZqEZTzEtaKS_xXUykBhO73q14P9DjyS0EVmHfWryA2A-4jw/w400-h264/tenerife_lizard_7feb22_2160l_2108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuZX4JvtmzRF2HDEc8HZeIPvCYXU2QYHPJ0V0kdjc-Hi9nwVJxgWRfMaEWQLUWkBUwL5TrJKonPW0jj--iUqHg5Oxy2V2F1UQe2pbr3s7dWlbYrVKC3QCpFnQ_OsWGm-egV85StIWNRuaNxZozMv1-RNBaiJBJRzL30tTg87S-uzmofCeSA/s1440/tenerife_lizard_16feb22_1440s_2285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuZX4JvtmzRF2HDEc8HZeIPvCYXU2QYHPJ0V0kdjc-Hi9nwVJxgWRfMaEWQLUWkBUwL5TrJKonPW0jj--iUqHg5Oxy2V2F1UQe2pbr3s7dWlbYrVKC3QCpFnQ_OsWGm-egV85StIWNRuaNxZozMv1-RNBaiJBJRzL30tTg87S-uzmofCeSA/w300-h400/tenerife_lizard_16feb22_1440s_2285.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB68063q3Kunm7vDl8REE_O0yxTbPUp0deamZYMWQPbRLKWN-s5YvmOmLfIQjF2jBCJlxHiz_XjW2XBn1zt8bWCQIrKZLotRGt26kYbACx-fh3WplVS68pWozm0_VvriVaOIP2bc85Z6qC-aoneONgrZMaF7olg4QLn9c_6EFQdVBHh0RH-Q/s1443/tenerife_lizard_16feb22_1440s_2290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1443" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB68063q3Kunm7vDl8REE_O0yxTbPUp0deamZYMWQPbRLKWN-s5YvmOmLfIQjF2jBCJlxHiz_XjW2XBn1zt8bWCQIrKZLotRGt26kYbACx-fh3WplVS68pWozm0_VvriVaOIP2bc85Z6qC-aoneONgrZMaF7olg4QLn9c_6EFQdVBHh0RH-Q/w400-h399/tenerife_lizard_16feb22_1440s_2290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ffQrAjF1C60usaVhDk3D6jaeSrJ5qZjJPy790CPqLGDA1HpjhsjMWxF9_FjGfr79PeAy0_sXTwOiabtPNK5yPlHElG0auxOUD1k79rohBNvckpIap6hlE9iS4JENFKjKOfgC4MkJczwbc4qY_B68RxhX2U_vqwYxYrkbwS_h7Vb7QLII1A/s2160/tenerife_lizard_16feb22_2160w_2274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="2160" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ffQrAjF1C60usaVhDk3D6jaeSrJ5qZjJPy790CPqLGDA1HpjhsjMWxF9_FjGfr79PeAy0_sXTwOiabtPNK5yPlHElG0auxOUD1k79rohBNvckpIap6hlE9iS4JENFKjKOfgC4MkJczwbc4qY_B68RxhX2U_vqwYxYrkbwS_h7Vb7QLII1A/w400-h245/tenerife_lizard_16feb22_2160w_2274.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqD3eKZ3L-WAHuoIEcn_6vf5QeW27mtHfL-S-pYYLpZi5Rmx5D3g9X_dowHGDuR294px8SwzjMAg8pau2llSokoW3ZaL-qx_oe53tgFUOoXR6e_T2LpSkspIb-uuKeJL2Prv4dQyjIvsRe5d23XM6Az8FPRT1otLFLth5nHD3VKxKai8EgMw/s2160/tenerife_lizard_16feb22_2160w_2305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="2160" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqD3eKZ3L-WAHuoIEcn_6vf5QeW27mtHfL-S-pYYLpZi5Rmx5D3g9X_dowHGDuR294px8SwzjMAg8pau2llSokoW3ZaL-qx_oe53tgFUOoXR6e_T2LpSkspIb-uuKeJL2Prv4dQyjIvsRe5d23XM6Az8FPRT1otLFLth5nHD3VKxKai8EgMw/w400-h236/tenerife_lizard_16feb22_2160w_2305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLgIPWie3Me-6Pd09NtCDLv7x4gnI8_MwvL6_tTu0Tdqwb6ijrkjIKMAnvlQS7yjMDVxrXHniSi36Eqj-AMw8d888qco2o2qhOrxDNzNVVzHXYflBxNvoC9IbGRuavBmjEbJzvwBpp6K5P7oNevohjoli1TIl3I24tmu6oi87cahfq9gz_A/s2160/tenerife_lizard_17feb22_2160l_2312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="2160" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLgIPWie3Me-6Pd09NtCDLv7x4gnI8_MwvL6_tTu0Tdqwb6ijrkjIKMAnvlQS7yjMDVxrXHniSi36Eqj-AMw8d888qco2o2qhOrxDNzNVVzHXYflBxNvoC9IbGRuavBmjEbJzvwBpp6K5P7oNevohjoli1TIl3I24tmu6oi87cahfq9gz_A/w400-h246/tenerife_lizard_17feb22_2160l_2312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhds5s-eXKLpnE93be89HhRLcJudT15YMxeiAeHVCzuQn5m1XnjKaIiAOu2hUW4Lj19RDdIGj1Pg8HV0MyQJpM7JB-EplL3G9CJERFh4E0pTAO6WwaNP-F-YoQrLS5IhZms8dCjaDj-S9aVQVnHumOPhkOhVGaq0h-X3IwZhOYF6QHOJi4g/s2160/tenerife_lizard_17feb22_2160w_2308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="2160" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhds5s-eXKLpnE93be89HhRLcJudT15YMxeiAeHVCzuQn5m1XnjKaIiAOu2hUW4Lj19RDdIGj1Pg8HV0MyQJpM7JB-EplL3G9CJERFh4E0pTAO6WwaNP-F-YoQrLS5IhZms8dCjaDj-S9aVQVnHumOPhkOhVGaq0h-X3IwZhOYF6QHOJi4g/w400-h236/tenerife_lizard_17feb22_2160w_2308.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismTCivB5CxTetQ7XibchWgsnj-cnpSCsEgT8yHh1UASv_PkAgHC4SDNIG5DhtLMX5o8nIEVBWf9NYDBq5_ff_mimK82QFAAalxilhGYlLcFcpTVgO1whXRLAajBCtCvKHA1yaawryJpTkB08Y4ltGbt1YN7OgIJeBzWkBJHKDs02ZqxRW3A/s1580/tenerife_lizard_sloughing_16feb22_1440s_2270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1580" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismTCivB5CxTetQ7XibchWgsnj-cnpSCsEgT8yHh1UASv_PkAgHC4SDNIG5DhtLMX5o8nIEVBWf9NYDBq5_ff_mimK82QFAAalxilhGYlLcFcpTVgO1whXRLAajBCtCvKHA1yaawryJpTkB08Y4ltGbt1YN7OgIJeBzWkBJHKDs02ZqxRW3A/w400-h365/tenerife_lizard_sloughing_16feb22_1440s_2270.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtfU0AgTrKiKiX_BgdQLK6pfpALyizbqMpIGbGa1cpAXwjOKUF9JgUVjnRZjVeiTSEyVoLOIlDrJY4yPplWIK-H8EJ44mGTb6bPNDeO-o203Qi-FNlm8xwuHt1D9fjPCyGWpvccINfA9jUyhhG1eKVhc98TbIfJOF5TmMAr2two7iMzgIZg/s2160/tenerife_lizard_sloughing_16feb22_2160w_2289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="2160" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtfU0AgTrKiKiX_BgdQLK6pfpALyizbqMpIGbGa1cpAXwjOKUF9JgUVjnRZjVeiTSEyVoLOIlDrJY4yPplWIK-H8EJ44mGTb6bPNDeO-o203Qi-FNlm8xwuHt1D9fjPCyGWpvccINfA9jUyhhG1eKVhc98TbIfJOF5TmMAr2two7iMzgIZg/w400-h249/tenerife_lizard_sloughing_16feb22_2160w_2289.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><i><b>Grapsus adscencionis</b></i></p><p>This vibrantly coloured crab was entertaining to watch on the rocky shoreline.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOwNUghOUMPbex08Ish7eLtvuj_yYV_XLGHLU7s_Kc9Gpy1JroR-8pfSTA1DQtKt3oZ12waXaXKhWohj-0Eq4i5JTljG3LXfb0eqDhicaLBr5VeKKQukrV5xQZAbEgOKRMiTGBtPZXWSXYWTcxLyDGqH7bBd1cw7ubmrP42PUtqZ4RueJEw/s1527/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_1440s_2400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1527" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOwNUghOUMPbex08Ish7eLtvuj_yYV_XLGHLU7s_Kc9Gpy1JroR-8pfSTA1DQtKt3oZ12waXaXKhWohj-0Eq4i5JTljG3LXfb0eqDhicaLBr5VeKKQukrV5xQZAbEgOKRMiTGBtPZXWSXYWTcxLyDGqH7bBd1cw7ubmrP42PUtqZ4RueJEw/w400-h378/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_1440s_2400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYXRVnqp7YJ7F8LgRX1P9tl6ttumUo1AkbI2egMpsv4XjHkyqJA4YUr1wA3a4EXlkJeSotZTqTOoBIIKBhgurXZV15m4QmjsFIbFWk4vo-A5lL51HlNSAp6HnMWBBgS-Q3GgvmFxa9MllgMS-XyZbJWlqy83jIY6t1Bzw5eQkaZuzrrgBGg/s2160/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160l_2403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="2160" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYXRVnqp7YJ7F8LgRX1P9tl6ttumUo1AkbI2egMpsv4XjHkyqJA4YUr1wA3a4EXlkJeSotZTqTOoBIIKBhgurXZV15m4QmjsFIbFWk4vo-A5lL51HlNSAp6HnMWBBgS-Q3GgvmFxa9MllgMS-XyZbJWlqy83jIY6t1Bzw5eQkaZuzrrgBGg/w400-h268/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160l_2403.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-4MRAFDvwX5oI-R7I63oly8Uw3CsYjRt0NikCkMFmbDASbxrOtacx2p85rOrlPZC5BAVQcVVzRM9c7JtfNbu8ekAvOvLDDkrDiE4gq5aAQRtwN0kWNPYmZ8Jga8oLfq0MsBOWSVWpQf2vUTLliu6xvd6FgeNZ5xWYUH-VlkQOHQmNXM3FA/s2160/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160w_2394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="2160" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-4MRAFDvwX5oI-R7I63oly8Uw3CsYjRt0NikCkMFmbDASbxrOtacx2p85rOrlPZC5BAVQcVVzRM9c7JtfNbu8ekAvOvLDDkrDiE4gq5aAQRtwN0kWNPYmZ8Jga8oLfq0MsBOWSVWpQf2vUTLliu6xvd6FgeNZ5xWYUH-VlkQOHQmNXM3FA/w400-h251/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160w_2394.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJ1CWCdtNkvp0oJDnrkAx4_vMVF6r3MGAV7L9aqLfxDe-cZN0ZlpsZHUkHtW--Ij7tqaa7qFT3nuvimLrpsWUILY-ABM2t8CVRbS_gb699vPJlH_1dtup39sL4xNbTqUvUYVhNkb0RWScxkhZlP1tnIggc4tqAMApJFix3r3dkfDLMJGlBQ/s2160/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160w_2397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJ1CWCdtNkvp0oJDnrkAx4_vMVF6r3MGAV7L9aqLfxDe-cZN0ZlpsZHUkHtW--Ij7tqaa7qFT3nuvimLrpsWUILY-ABM2t8CVRbS_gb699vPJlH_1dtup39sL4xNbTqUvUYVhNkb0RWScxkhZlP1tnIggc4tqAMApJFix3r3dkfDLMJGlBQ/w400-h240/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160w_2397.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58NuPY48OCq_fny_eFk_1XS8T_AP2XPCRXeRUSaSjl5K5MjLdC1-JDlqEczkDgDnwn4W0OIz-fOGTqE-QppSd9mrGdt4t0EdNjxykHSDdQX1sGiQcLmutXtYIty12uDuecYlMMOIT8lhJeYhn2Qz0fmtOxsS9_qiqmt7gRz_rbBECRcdhWg/s2160/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160w_2404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="2160" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58NuPY48OCq_fny_eFk_1XS8T_AP2XPCRXeRUSaSjl5K5MjLdC1-JDlqEczkDgDnwn4W0OIz-fOGTqE-QppSd9mrGdt4t0EdNjxykHSDdQX1sGiQcLmutXtYIty12uDuecYlMMOIT8lhJeYhn2Qz0fmtOxsS9_qiqmt7gRz_rbBECRcdhWg/w400-h235/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160w_2404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Mb02OCeQMz8nKE8s3q7ONJObaQZ6plqvgI58jlJpx-fFXvunRM0NzZ9qFl5i11ZjSBBzQ4VDd-GUzwu2fLCXWDuTBECOnQXBpn5iBKiRHm1zTf4ZilhVbgF9g_yeAkAaOzKLLbqo9_V9lnRNd_K6ZgmiQ9OuwihCV-8KRYFAh0RQJtGhgw/s2160/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160ww_2392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Mb02OCeQMz8nKE8s3q7ONJObaQZ6plqvgI58jlJpx-fFXvunRM0NzZ9qFl5i11ZjSBBzQ4VDd-GUzwu2fLCXWDuTBECOnQXBpn5iBKiRHm1zTf4ZilhVbgF9g_yeAkAaOzKLLbqo9_V9lnRNd_K6ZgmiQ9OuwihCV-8KRYFAh0RQJtGhgw/w400-h240/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160ww_2392.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGO-oiMCW24JeBPYCpJxbdh-R2U3OFqDSvpVmML0LJyTE2tAkRhnI6cypb5WzHRdKmaEZR_CqAiB45pISdrYHwZsPzwreNSTM2bUpKLkOpTgiX5AvS7YsCmv_EwpuE_iRDJ4guBZyto0x2oGgGPnzgQ0As5iP9t5Gxrrl8r-GQwbsa0cCmA/s2160/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160ww_2396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="2160" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGO-oiMCW24JeBPYCpJxbdh-R2U3OFqDSvpVmML0LJyTE2tAkRhnI6cypb5WzHRdKmaEZR_CqAiB45pISdrYHwZsPzwreNSTM2bUpKLkOpTgiX5AvS7YsCmv_EwpuE_iRDJ4guBZyto0x2oGgGPnzgQ0As5iP9t5Gxrrl8r-GQwbsa0cCmA/w400-h235/grapsus_adscencionis_27feb22_2160ww_2396.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Lepidoptera</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xlYFVSPE5klfBt9yhub-QHOqMXy00sRpYDtsGmhN4sJormpnF2J-fdOjHmhOXnv-_6WlnuuBhB9gnasZkAdb5jfsMNdVTm884VoQqEa9WOu-cl1KM0GfCkSZssn4oI7WcuWM2hifNboMlhAZZEixUczH4JIEf99aza-lknFBOOcZllW2PQ/s1440/red_admiral_11feb22_1440p_2189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1211" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xlYFVSPE5klfBt9yhub-QHOqMXy00sRpYDtsGmhN4sJormpnF2J-fdOjHmhOXnv-_6WlnuuBhB9gnasZkAdb5jfsMNdVTm884VoQqEa9WOu-cl1KM0GfCkSZssn4oI7WcuWM2hifNboMlhAZZEixUczH4JIEf99aza-lknFBOOcZllW2PQ/w336-h400/red_admiral_11feb22_1440p_2189.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Admiral <i>Vanessa atalanta</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hmva5foqnJg_a9ICTV79h6nfI7aUfpxcgu-iVwlqzHQAZtg4fyvHzsWOuRepDxM3c9DVRi_flM5HpCKem3zjFrYZT4cgxjJY8DJ2_3Ir1OGbB3SxKxVkE3jo8YU7q_Z-CqQmmyMo8vEsuqzaKBzu2cNpsq_OBduZGnicEhh7ZgNVlJUQ-w/s1200/canary_red_admiral_24feb22_1200l_2367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1200" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hmva5foqnJg_a9ICTV79h6nfI7aUfpxcgu-iVwlqzHQAZtg4fyvHzsWOuRepDxM3c9DVRi_flM5HpCKem3zjFrYZT4cgxjJY8DJ2_3Ir1OGbB3SxKxVkE3jo8YU7q_Z-CqQmmyMo8vEsuqzaKBzu2cNpsq_OBduZGnicEhh7ZgNVlJUQ-w/w400-h272/canary_red_admiral_24feb22_1200l_2367.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUUvBG-QIOPYD7sA3n4EOlfmz6fQ1HLEW9d8xmvJu0nj1FlfIOn8qRH7k5ulCdU34RiMFJqKWrgdkqbm8REtUnuWsWu8mZrKBr7c_8uL2nIRVq7NwYJaXGsAna-4SwPxw8aBIRCq81HRIm0gSxExDKyE6DBwTu_9JlIKR1W7RfFWUdEngQg/s1200/canary_red_admiral_24feb22_1200l_2378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1200" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUUvBG-QIOPYD7sA3n4EOlfmz6fQ1HLEW9d8xmvJu0nj1FlfIOn8qRH7k5ulCdU34RiMFJqKWrgdkqbm8REtUnuWsWu8mZrKBr7c_8uL2nIRVq7NwYJaXGsAna-4SwPxw8aBIRCq81HRIm0gSxExDKyE6DBwTu_9JlIKR1W7RfFWUdEngQg/w400-h272/canary_red_admiral_24feb22_1200l_2378.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Red Admiral <i>Vanessa vulcania</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKeCASax47zFddK9cxH6qNSUsFLlv32IYXxves6PI0d9mGKbkj6xlNCgBFjv-pqzr-smmamK0BKpdYgiFnqesPgBqCpRRtdV3wko8bNOA0AqCq6cEcIxLWl0ykRgfn5edoUFx1vL8aEeUchLmEIThtQzuKg8xVVzkn5p8TW_RyWQEJ18gmg/s2160/canary_speckled_wood_2mar22_2160l_2422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="2160" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKeCASax47zFddK9cxH6qNSUsFLlv32IYXxves6PI0d9mGKbkj6xlNCgBFjv-pqzr-smmamK0BKpdYgiFnqesPgBqCpRRtdV3wko8bNOA0AqCq6cEcIxLWl0ykRgfn5edoUFx1vL8aEeUchLmEIThtQzuKg8xVVzkn5p8TW_RyWQEJ18gmg/w400-h265/canary_speckled_wood_2mar22_2160l_2422.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbkB9XZyg1eDx0zQhN67kyHLNQQV0W5w1Hxxl21x5HTMmk4tgMBjEI06Q4HcLc6gnmf3awY3RXA3ZgEN7L7rK88V3gAwcX4WiSa_Zny-LcMlR9ZlZD1UhoF_N-NgjEcfUzK2qfcneKRKVOrX308ab_dWdtzv9quUb3SpN1W0O2VvNE3V_1w/s2160/canary_speckled_wood_2mar22_2160l_2434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="2160" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbkB9XZyg1eDx0zQhN67kyHLNQQV0W5w1Hxxl21x5HTMmk4tgMBjEI06Q4HcLc6gnmf3awY3RXA3ZgEN7L7rK88V3gAwcX4WiSa_Zny-LcMlR9ZlZD1UhoF_N-NgjEcfUzK2qfcneKRKVOrX308ab_dWdtzv9quUb3SpN1W0O2VvNE3V_1w/w400-h274/canary_speckled_wood_2mar22_2160l_2434.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Speckled Wood <i>Pararge xiphioides</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hNRW5YcCpZgFK7RV6DgtNaXFMnOiFq_oNuwOehoegpj9sPQ-pwW8VhiJ5FUO7vqmVspEfy7_e9pBdEwASJZREO8cslWMY1UADD2SG351AfVBmBRgTJYLyvM-LhksRejiRPrOJtWXwTTdw_BMr_x2rOCdVDaYoTSEgsT2GDYqYvyyfE2bpQ/s2160/plain_tiger_4feb22_2160l_2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1509" data-original-width="2160" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hNRW5YcCpZgFK7RV6DgtNaXFMnOiFq_oNuwOehoegpj9sPQ-pwW8VhiJ5FUO7vqmVspEfy7_e9pBdEwASJZREO8cslWMY1UADD2SG351AfVBmBRgTJYLyvM-LhksRejiRPrOJtWXwTTdw_BMr_x2rOCdVDaYoTSEgsT2GDYqYvyyfE2bpQ/w400-h280/plain_tiger_4feb22_2160l_2001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24E58Ps-v4lHT0JlMdarxWn2F-zLM_OV9ex6jL_K_2YiuswzB2zr80OR6M5RjgmFlIpo7VR63ZH6LQFF23KSkxwcsS5LIJ5gO8IGVUzZg5LztcMb7e1Vo_2_Vggsup57YjfJvcLqnMIYZiwNAp-0g_iGVjkVZS3pdSAOy2-oo_T8sAxB0SA/s1440/plain_tiger_13feb22_1440s_2206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1416" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24E58Ps-v4lHT0JlMdarxWn2F-zLM_OV9ex6jL_K_2YiuswzB2zr80OR6M5RjgmFlIpo7VR63ZH6LQFF23KSkxwcsS5LIJ5gO8IGVUzZg5LztcMb7e1Vo_2_Vggsup57YjfJvcLqnMIYZiwNAp-0g_iGVjkVZS3pdSAOy2-oo_T8sAxB0SA/w394-h400/plain_tiger_13feb22_1440s_2206.jpg" width="394" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plain Tiger <i>Danaus chrysippus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI550OCJ0EfmIHfiusM11xpPYhFY0etmLcCLMekVhjYFPyD1hQbmLupD0KkNIvs9c6p-GRtfccjblyqLGK2Xzcg4hvVkIpeotu8BbLSqG04Gz5PeKsqY_BpbBgd4uSsNDFSuL1VbLjfXY1VZ_SeXXGQij7pcaTFUTlQU0MQUEIcYdu42TWg/s2160/scopula_guancharia_17feb22_2160l_2321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="2160" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI550OCJ0EfmIHfiusM11xpPYhFY0etmLcCLMekVhjYFPyD1hQbmLupD0KkNIvs9c6p-GRtfccjblyqLGK2Xzcg4hvVkIpeotu8BbLSqG04Gz5PeKsqY_BpbBgd4uSsNDFSuL1VbLjfXY1VZ_SeXXGQij7pcaTFUTlQU0MQUEIcYdu42TWg/w400-h259/scopula_guancharia_17feb22_2160l_2321.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Scopula guancharia</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYKmYKN6VUJEjz6-eG0uf75RsgiIMV52GHSfrfF7taYBda-Kl347NM0D1yVYkvyg_C-T34_9S0d5Evfz2ljS5U9HpqOUcBPb-0V4HfgSNijKjP6mgRvfj1Y-C7HDFhQFSn5FuG5T_AwRA2cc6yAcPPAbsqxGetPe5ws5l04q0GvL_bgb9WA/s1549/small_copper_15feb22_1440s_2251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1549" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYKmYKN6VUJEjz6-eG0uf75RsgiIMV52GHSfrfF7taYBda-Kl347NM0D1yVYkvyg_C-T34_9S0d5Evfz2ljS5U9HpqOUcBPb-0V4HfgSNijKjP6mgRvfj1Y-C7HDFhQFSn5FuG5T_AwRA2cc6yAcPPAbsqxGetPe5ws5l04q0GvL_bgb9WA/w400-h371/small_copper_15feb22_1440s_2251.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Copper <i>Lycaena phlaeas</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1T-QkT9T-RN0zOJUb1iPN4Je8YZjsf2mIcA1tqywSDvgKI5oL5u6CYfCKK-5umzbuyQTz3Bh1o9du9jaCwgIb-io7Dx7mQfnM5QgpTIIS1Vzi86QVWOPBq15531R3ONNk2GzwrDk6YtAWZ4Bodcpi7A6gSNwZIDzSmffDg2HdSKD_C9Z4w/s2160/small_white_9feb22_2160w_2115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1T-QkT9T-RN0zOJUb1iPN4Je8YZjsf2mIcA1tqywSDvgKI5oL5u6CYfCKK-5umzbuyQTz3Bh1o9du9jaCwgIb-io7Dx7mQfnM5QgpTIIS1Vzi86QVWOPBq15531R3ONNk2GzwrDk6YtAWZ4Bodcpi7A6gSNwZIDzSmffDg2HdSKD_C9Z4w/w400-h240/small_white_9feb22_2160w_2115.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small White <i>Pieris rapae</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><i>Others</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-0e0rAqG9EofBIAOcYpthFDooYx_3UV2Fq-d3wPeDWMwAnJKdVXYEawbVCC7AaB5EG9OzAW_LpfqrPJa3giKiZSDZKgF4i-pf5Q53xQtwHrzBY2GCeTyBunYR-PNnfmMXv2OsKTPSURqbmaBPglnYfqVHamCAvu0WYVNkBrdr8Yasvbyig/s2160/annulated_sea_hare_12feb22_2160w_2195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2160" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-0e0rAqG9EofBIAOcYpthFDooYx_3UV2Fq-d3wPeDWMwAnJKdVXYEawbVCC7AaB5EG9OzAW_LpfqrPJa3giKiZSDZKgF4i-pf5Q53xQtwHrzBY2GCeTyBunYR-PNnfmMXv2OsKTPSURqbmaBPglnYfqVHamCAvu0WYVNkBrdr8Yasvbyig/w400-h241/annulated_sea_hare_12feb22_2160w_2195.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eanT2jfZIxT-WXV8zzIWRkF694lnTmK-638bI-oxV5IfhCASTAx_fHmglkVq4Ap8MR198a8Xir7zBNto0GPMygPSGJolc51iNki6WSYQmoSssqmJF6E6RpQc-XvrbK_xGqZ8QsqeGDNGSua-ALjKCeWNuHS_lrWtWXpYdndf1jUk01I6Ew/s2160/annulated_sea_hare_12feb22_2160w_2202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2160" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eanT2jfZIxT-WXV8zzIWRkF694lnTmK-638bI-oxV5IfhCASTAx_fHmglkVq4Ap8MR198a8Xir7zBNto0GPMygPSGJolc51iNki6WSYQmoSssqmJF6E6RpQc-XvrbK_xGqZ8QsqeGDNGSua-ALjKCeWNuHS_lrWtWXpYdndf1jUk01I6Ew/w400-h241/annulated_sea_hare_12feb22_2160w_2202.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annulated Sea Hare <i>Aplysia dactylomela</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSBIqPUcIqUbpoc3hbJ0c2oT_u31MFoEjoFDigo-TJqYmofedrV7SteI8_cgPHpdBKkIadh8mwsISO9ZaxqIczCXCtZc6VqOKS7f4ort9loxvQlFHw7OC4QvvlAGkUF9SaCJ93oROVYh-lHsULmtFFfJjbpMam7deTdxkD9kqbkD87nFTtw/s2160/broad_green-winged_grasshopper_12feb22_2160w_2192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSBIqPUcIqUbpoc3hbJ0c2oT_u31MFoEjoFDigo-TJqYmofedrV7SteI8_cgPHpdBKkIadh8mwsISO9ZaxqIczCXCtZc6VqOKS7f4ort9loxvQlFHw7OC4QvvlAGkUF9SaCJ93oROVYh-lHsULmtFFfJjbpMam7deTdxkD9kqbkD87nFTtw/w400-h240/broad_green-winged_grasshopper_12feb22_2160w_2192.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broad Green-winged Grasshopper <i>Aiolopus strepens</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8JXBeWZjTCeFypKOwSVctOI3sK6HwiWEMjXQc4xxVJdgfFq9TI1CLDZrNwhqB0D3IrC418--VE4SQTj30ndhgjgMSp0hda16YBFLUxpkKMImLoA1D3Z8ory5QaAi_qtrpsdlQcFbZpexRFlEXyUqvuJfrbM_gmvNuLtwtIai_aqmemV0KA/s1440/iberian_green_frog_13feb22_1440s_2220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8JXBeWZjTCeFypKOwSVctOI3sK6HwiWEMjXQc4xxVJdgfFq9TI1CLDZrNwhqB0D3IrC418--VE4SQTj30ndhgjgMSp0hda16YBFLUxpkKMImLoA1D3Z8ory5QaAi_qtrpsdlQcFbZpexRFlEXyUqvuJfrbM_gmvNuLtwtIai_aqmemV0KA/w400-h400/iberian_green_frog_13feb22_1440s_2220.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpHGTdveEFNp6sjBkk7SLohtUSsryteGHd3-OxXk8cIIQwkd8uGpYrJs1zJkEPwie7CXZZL0HF1WoQOfB6uvAN70h4Agv9eFf8WpA6AOA59mCQi4s4jMcNBGlH01VB2c0dzzLA8M2Bk_EbX1-FEz9dR0oAydlSKnj_X4qk-xRG9b9teu8dw/s2160/iberian_green_frog_13feb22_2160l_2211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="2160" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpHGTdveEFNp6sjBkk7SLohtUSsryteGHd3-OxXk8cIIQwkd8uGpYrJs1zJkEPwie7CXZZL0HF1WoQOfB6uvAN70h4Agv9eFf8WpA6AOA59mCQi4s4jMcNBGlH01VB2c0dzzLA8M2Bk_EbX1-FEz9dR0oAydlSKnj_X4qk-xRG9b9teu8dw/w400-h225/iberian_green_frog_13feb22_2160l_2211.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iberian Green Frog <i>Rana iberica</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmm79LPcJ8fKQoyg5DVUfXvvFlx_vIELtCcYh3Nw11xr2GGmggejNZT7xO0kfCqEByo5kcZxubsFuBWAz7QXQduMeuquIxZn7RA5-d9skwBNraNDjFZ3LMML9tw58A6DKzrdLOAKTbXI14mLYBf0h_mqsE9cqM8HGb1Sta1MIpelBjDaLPQ/s2160/mayfly_5feb22_2160l_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="2160" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmm79LPcJ8fKQoyg5DVUfXvvFlx_vIELtCcYh3Nw11xr2GGmggejNZT7xO0kfCqEByo5kcZxubsFuBWAz7QXQduMeuquIxZn7RA5-d9skwBNraNDjFZ3LMML9tw58A6DKzrdLOAKTbXI14mLYBf0h_mqsE9cqM8HGb1Sta1MIpelBjDaLPQ/w400-h254/mayfly_5feb22_2160l_2007.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayfly <i>Ephemeroptera</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBuncMB46QfC7MVjRLB0muFerzI86EdKdRtD0HU9N1JAsKITv-ZaKyPEd3fc_prIdYQ0-Ie0zfsBucZH8NTQQ4Z-GUboB15lRf6HZF8rm3GVrL-4uTvGxeSh4b4eLqq2FRROqOpsaphHqk36JCmWBUzey34MU4ZdNVSZYMH9qWII735cwNg/s2160/red-veined_dropwing_fem_18feb22_2160l_2330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="2160" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBuncMB46QfC7MVjRLB0muFerzI86EdKdRtD0HU9N1JAsKITv-ZaKyPEd3fc_prIdYQ0-Ie0zfsBucZH8NTQQ4Z-GUboB15lRf6HZF8rm3GVrL-4uTvGxeSh4b4eLqq2FRROqOpsaphHqk36JCmWBUzey34MU4ZdNVSZYMH9qWII735cwNg/w400-h248/red-veined_dropwing_fem_18feb22_2160l_2330.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-veined Dropwing <i>Trithemis arteriosa</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcsEN-uSDC2VW8zJAbNO2KzYgxTT2RYDk4yihSxVkSGEM_iVneVOFRDgaDenwZZRjWTzp1gAvCjMtEMqLOnbb3CrRHSQVMZ48Mn1ETO4fGsNJZgrfmgnCcFoIfxihMQIfFXedaPVKNF4dtuf4Yxo3D1sOVamspRYo1KZZ8pSp3RK3YWrv_A/s1555/white-banded_digger_bee_7feb22_1440s_2100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1555" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcsEN-uSDC2VW8zJAbNO2KzYgxTT2RYDk4yihSxVkSGEM_iVneVOFRDgaDenwZZRjWTzp1gAvCjMtEMqLOnbb3CrRHSQVMZ48Mn1ETO4fGsNJZgrfmgnCcFoIfxihMQIfFXedaPVKNF4dtuf4Yxo3D1sOVamspRYo1KZZ8pSp3RK3YWrv_A/w400-h370/white-banded_digger_bee_7feb22_1440s_2100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqALs-p-IGKg46V2TTMZVKdN4iQei2Plamf_yQWGaHaM5CBv8x6-brKEBPeEaewC0ygKi4dMm68HBHwBz-F451RCiK5HG6aWCSYBFNjARBPH9W3Av0AesIRvG6gZfMfxT4_39QnnnXeeCcp5kWG753T9yx5jRZC0Zb8OR0VnDWHhLIXGk0g/s2160/white-banded_digger_bee_7feb22_2160l_2100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2160" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqALs-p-IGKg46V2TTMZVKdN4iQei2Plamf_yQWGaHaM5CBv8x6-brKEBPeEaewC0ygKi4dMm68HBHwBz-F451RCiK5HG6aWCSYBFNjARBPH9W3Av0AesIRvG6gZfMfxT4_39QnnnXeeCcp5kWG753T9yx5jRZC0Zb8OR0VnDWHhLIXGk0g/w400-h271/white-banded_digger_bee_7feb22_2160l_2100.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-banded Digger Bee <i>Amegilla quadrifasciata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Total of 53 species (5 lifers) seen during the month</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Garganey<br />Barbary Partridge<br />Rock Dove<br /><b>Bolle's Pigeon<br />Laurel Pigeon<br /></b>Collared Dove<br />Laughing Dove<br />Plain Swift<br />Common Moorhen<br />Eurasian Coot<br />Grey Plover<br />Common Ringed Plover<br /><b>Semipalmated Plover<br /></b>Whimbrel<br />Ruddy Turnstone<br />Sanderling<br />Dunlin<br />Common Sandpiper<br />Black-headed Gull<br />Yellow-legged Gull<br />Sandwich Tern<br />Cory's Shearwater<br />Manx Shearwater<br />Barolo Shearwater<br />Northern Gannet<br />Grey Heron<br />Little Egret<br />Cattle Egret<br />Black-crowned Night-Heron<br />Glossy Ibis<br />Eurasian Sparrowhawk<br />Common Buzzard<br />Eurasian Hoopoe<br />Great Spotted Woodpecker<br />Common Kestrel<br />Barbary Falcon<br />Ring-necked Parakeet<br />Common Raven<br />African Blue Tit<br />Barn Swallow<br /><b>Canary Islands Chiffchaff</b><br />Eurasian Blackcap<br />Sardinian Warbler<br />Goldcrest<br />Eurasian Blackbird<br />European Robin<br />Spanish Sparrow<br />Grey Wagtail<br />Berthelot's Pipit<br />Common Chaffinch<br /><b>Tenerife Blue Chaffinch<br /></b>European Greenfinch<br />Atlantic Canary</span></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-65493622838670641962022-02-03T18:39:00.001+00:002022-02-26T23:38:50.865+00:00Four weeks on Fuerteventura<div>The full list of birds seen during our four week stay on the island. Had a car for 3 days, which only added the species in italics but got us to some interesting places.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>55 species of bird seen in the four weeks. All but 5 (in italics) seen without the use of a vehicle. Lifers in bold.</div><div><br /></div><div>PNC = Parque Natural de Corralejo</div><div>PTC = Punta de Tivas, Corralejo</div><div>GPC = Grandes Playa, Corralejo</div><div>WPC = Water Park, Corralejo</div><div>VBC = Volcano de Bayuyo, Corralejo</div><div>ELM = Embalse de los Molinos</div><div>BRC = Barranco del Rio Cabras</div><div>BET = Betancuria</div><div>FDT = Faro De Toston, El Cotillo</div><div><br /></div><div>Ruddy Shelduck 25 at ELM, 21/1; 4 at ERC, 23/1. 2 south past GPC, 1/2</div><div>Barbary Partridge Seen 3 times at PNC (up to 10); 7 at El Cotillo, 22 Jan; 2 at Cueva del LLano, 23/1</div><div>Feral Pigeon</div><div>Collared Dove Common</div><div>Black-bellied Sandgrouse 3 over road at Tao near ELM, 21/1; heard in PNC, 28/1</div><div><b>Houbara Bustard</b> 4 sightings of up to 3 birds in PNC</div><div><b>Plain Swift</b> Occasional in Corralejo. Usually <4 but 10 on 27/1 after none for 17 days</div><div>Stone-curlew 2 at FDT, 23/1; 2 Tindaya Plains, 24/1; 2 at PNC; 1/2</div><div><i><u>Black-winged Stilt</u></i> 4 at BRC, 23/1</div><div>Grey Plover Up to 9 at PTC</div><div>Kentish Plover Up to 15 at PTC</div><div>Common Ringed Plover Up to 65 at PTC</div><div><i>Little Ringed Plover</i> 2 at ELM, 21/1; 1 at BRC, 23/1</div><div>Whimbrel Common along rocky shore. Up to 15 at PTC; also at GPC</div><div>Bar-tailed Godwit 3-4 at PTC from 11-16/1</div><div>Ruddy Turnstone Corralejo. Max 24 on 7/1</div><div>Sanderling Corralejo. Max 21 on 7/1</div><div>Dunlin 2-3 seen on three dates at PTC</div><div>Common Sandpiper Common along rocky shore; peak count 5</div><div><i>Green Sandpiper</i> 1 at BRC on 23/1</div><div>Common Greenshank 1 at ELM on 21/1</div><div>Cream-coloured Courser 5 at the north end of PNC on 28/1</div><div>Ring-billed Gull First-winter from 18/1-3/2 at Playa Corralejo</div><div>Yellow-legged Gull Common</div><div>Sandwich Tern Regular around Corralejo; max 7</div><div>Northern Gannet 2 south at GPC on 20/1</div><div>Grey Heron Singles at Corralejo 11/1 & 21/1, BET on 21/1 and BRC on 23/1</div><div>Little Egret Up to 3 at Corralejo</div><div>Cattle Egret Up to 6 at WPC and 2 at El Charco de Bristol, Corralejo</div><div>Black-crowned Night-Heron 12 circled WPC early on 3/2</div><div>Glossy Ibis 1 flew south over Corralejo on 27/1</div><div>Eurasian Spoonbill 3 at PTC on 11/1; Dutch colour ringed bird "NAJA" on four dates</div><div>Egyptian Vulture 2 twice over PNC; up to 4 at VBC; 7 at Ajuy; 4 at BRC</div><div>Common Buzzard 1 at VBC on 9/1; 2 at BET on 21-22/1; 2 at ELM on 21/1; 2 at BRC on 23/1</div><div>Eurasian Hoopoe Occasional sightings many places; 3 at PNC on 13/1</div><div>Common Kestrel Infrequent. Pair in Corralejo; singles at BET and La Oliva</div><div>Barbary Falcon 1 over Corralejo on 9/1 and 2/3</div><div>Great Grey Shrike Common. Sometimes in gardens. Max 5 at PNC</div><div><b>Pied Crow</b> 1 flew south over Corralejo 30/1</div><div>Common Raven Very common. Max 28 at PNC on 18/1</div><div><i>African Blue Tit</i> Up to 4 at BET; 1 at BRC on 23/1</div><div>Mediterranean Short-toed Lark Common in PNC (max 37); also seen El Cotillo, BRC and Tindaya</div><div>Barn Swallow Present throughout but not daily. Max 20 on 14/1</div><div>Common House Martin On 8 dates. Max 10 on 10/1</div><div>Common Chiffchaff Singles in Corralejo and BET</div><div><i>Sardinian Warbler</i> 3 at BET on 21-22/1; 1 Ajuy on 23/1</div><div>Spectacled Warbler Quite common around Corralejo, sometimes in town. Also at Cueva del Llano</div><div>Song Thrush Up to 4 in hotel grounds at GPC; 4 at BET on 21/1</div><div><b>Fuerteventura Stonechat</b> Pairs at VBC and PNC; 1 at Ajuy on 23/1; 2 at ELM on 21/1; 1 at BRC on 23/1</div><div>Spanish Sparrow Fairly common in towns; max 25 at BET on 21/1</div><div>Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail 1 in Corralejo on 10/1; 3 at GPC on 20/1</div><div><b>Berthelot's Pipit</b> Common in suitable habitat; max 14 at PNC on 13/1</div><div>Trumpeter Finch At VBC 6 on 11/1, 8 on 31/1; at PNC 30 on 13/1, 10 on 28/1; 30 at FDT on 23/1;</div><div>Common Linnet Seen at PNC, GPC and VBC; max 30 on 18/1</div><div><i><b>Atlantic Canary</b></i> 2 at BET on 22/1</div><div><br /></div><div>Other wildlife:</div><div><br /></div><div>Barbary Ground Squirrel common and tame in places, esp. VBC and Ajuy</div><div>European Rabbit seen a few times in PNC and lots of signs</div><div>North African Hedgehog 2, deceased</div><div>Canarian Shrew presumed signs</div><div><br /></div><div>Geranium Bronze</div><div>Plain Tiger</div><div>Monarch</div><div>Red Admiral</div><div>Painted Lady</div><div>Clouded Yellow</div><div>Large White</div><div>Small White</div><div>Hummingbird Hawk-moth</div><div>Pink-barred Eublemma (Eublemma cochylioides)</div><div>Green Drab</div><div><br /></div><div>Vagrant Emperor</div><div>Blue Emperor</div><div><br /></div><div>Potter Wasp (Delta Dimidiatepenne)</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6S3gg0U7oqcwLeEYH6MCIwmUir6vUM_OtzHyBTBpuECcXpuu2_jci8X839-nIdtN-8EklsKnabLrBx-PeND_VuUFwyFrzkL4nsnnivhtQuLCZ_tm97wuTD0RKPr1RZsJO4nvifxe-kfT_LuySmYyajzGhjFqWErEWAH_Qx0_omS9wMPii8Q=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="2160" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6S3gg0U7oqcwLeEYH6MCIwmUir6vUM_OtzHyBTBpuECcXpuu2_jci8X839-nIdtN-8EklsKnabLrBx-PeND_VuUFwyFrzkL4nsnnivhtQuLCZ_tm97wuTD0RKPr1RZsJO4nvifxe-kfT_LuySmYyajzGhjFqWErEWAH_Qx0_omS9wMPii8Q=w400-h228" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimUUFgQPY08p_GkZPwP9oifEHgT7s7RpgmN54T7bm1P3AwSRywI-TS0ri_bRP-xbX9SPBcXHovTnacq-MFU44X3W7726h1VbldfwhdVAmWlzrJI8p9f90v4ZEAHW_iHJmPfloNL3VOoVmekmDvUAsAQmyO6Ucy91Fjhr4DQVdm3ExiATPIlg=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="2160" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimUUFgQPY08p_GkZPwP9oifEHgT7s7RpgmN54T7bm1P3AwSRywI-TS0ri_bRP-xbX9SPBcXHovTnacq-MFU44X3W7726h1VbldfwhdVAmWlzrJI8p9f90v4ZEAHW_iHJmPfloNL3VOoVmekmDvUAsAQmyO6Ucy91Fjhr4DQVdm3ExiATPIlg=w400-h228" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Lizard <i>Gallotia atlantica</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXUzwMQp26soUq2cjgKHbzlHSp9x84A2OAUU7Kf9ByVZgxWQhx7EQKJXDDBGe-aErJJgCMdnehHuJaijolzLd5_yC35KXNhHdi2XTbwa616j4RLroevgoOQSKJE8rWEJCDWruCxZdSBwrjVyHtWGbjMpiRoTqBy6SYknJQ3UJReQ3N5SmJ6g=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2160" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXUzwMQp26soUq2cjgKHbzlHSp9x84A2OAUU7Kf9ByVZgxWQhx7EQKJXDDBGe-aErJJgCMdnehHuJaijolzLd5_yC35KXNhHdi2XTbwa616j4RLroevgoOQSKJE8rWEJCDWruCxZdSBwrjVyHtWGbjMpiRoTqBy6SYknJQ3UJReQ3N5SmJ6g=w400-h254" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbary Ground Squirrel <i>Atlantoxerus getulus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkckPrrWk0XN6drnVFWc3y56KnIintbg1RTz4lRn2cW7s0KzF1NytEaGktJo0SrPMhvB5PR6zfyXuimFtCOaljYF7RuxQA-VChF3Raf6hnKH2fsRJSxd1_JLDcFk11qWeWRt1KBjBpqsB_cEhbU2jp7vZlBQ7Ms5Za5v2qWjxE5X7iWdTnHw=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2160" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkckPrrWk0XN6drnVFWc3y56KnIintbg1RTz4lRn2cW7s0KzF1NytEaGktJo0SrPMhvB5PR6zfyXuimFtCOaljYF7RuxQA-VChF3Raf6hnKH2fsRJSxd1_JLDcFk11qWeWRt1KBjBpqsB_cEhbU2jp7vZlBQ7Ms5Za5v2qWjxE5X7iWdTnHw=w400-h253" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbary Partridge <i>Alectoris Barbara</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqAOdc6Tda1If2__3BVW3KqLKQsJdDH_TezOgQLs_EeKrYXfbb_sABjo5B3ExaDe3aE8OlKUoCZJaF6tRDGYMAkWPlsK1nBUHIPR2wP6xKHCp1pgP8wRYtK-d2FxVE8kezFPnbAm7Ceh7n2qPg8rqzvZSRX3kkvgd8DAeBVdNB9BC_ZNbCig=s1744" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1744" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqAOdc6Tda1If2__3BVW3KqLKQsJdDH_TezOgQLs_EeKrYXfbb_sABjo5B3ExaDe3aE8OlKUoCZJaF6tRDGYMAkWPlsK1nBUHIPR2wP6xKHCp1pgP8wRYtK-d2FxVE8kezFPnbAm7Ceh7n2qPg8rqzvZSRX3kkvgd8DAeBVdNB9BC_ZNbCig=w400-h330" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJC2kTRbaye-EOnP5YRpj7kki5DsO31UaGZnemygh1PwOLuaSVWnTZSFGyweodikq9Xs2sFH-HxjAUHBiodCw734isIjwpO2snJ7n-5Qo_TCvXY67uyGADRTEzRk-PT_9an6eR5VR1e22RVcWPTKDCLedfjW3Cxo5HlAwK_kBkMyHRQrYHgw=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="2160" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJC2kTRbaye-EOnP5YRpj7kki5DsO31UaGZnemygh1PwOLuaSVWnTZSFGyweodikq9Xs2sFH-HxjAUHBiodCw734isIjwpO2snJ7n-5Qo_TCvXY67uyGADRTEzRk-PT_9an6eR5VR1e22RVcWPTKDCLedfjW3Cxo5HlAwK_kBkMyHRQrYHgw=w400-h213" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitter Apple <i>Citrullus colocynthis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3Eqy42hlpqTJE3ujhst130IQU3lkqrtMwp5KfFcmtVHx0WzYaDEZmZwzkb9tnP74PjVlQxmBsvp4tKfIcp0cE0ATuI5CJjqdL0bVsrG1UB_uJ6z4bvvTxRLatygXSQs-fVSfVY17R9IFI0E2wLybz2CrmxmVt3KUWqOroA6WCRhSOhf4kUQ=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="2160" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3Eqy42hlpqTJE3ujhst130IQU3lkqrtMwp5KfFcmtVHx0WzYaDEZmZwzkb9tnP74PjVlQxmBsvp4tKfIcp0cE0ATuI5CJjqdL0bVsrG1UB_uJ6z4bvvTxRLatygXSQs-fVSfVY17R9IFI0E2wLybz2CrmxmVt3KUWqOroA6WCRhSOhf4kUQ=w400-h264" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-winged Stilt <i>Himantopus himantopus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiYD27aD16nX2IH2q-qNm94sRRh4iW8LOa9SQvdGTQLAvWVKiEBGZxV4Umi72FGyZdXvGAC6a8WTE6tCz2wiH4XLUIGSXfjW0LzVxCSbadtjBh97H92vIjXAxR2ruHxUxAchDoGHCNiZY97NlruPp5McBKWQtF2JSLUb26h31VhXc3OZvUWQ=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="2160" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiYD27aD16nX2IH2q-qNm94sRRh4iW8LOa9SQvdGTQLAvWVKiEBGZxV4Umi72FGyZdXvGAC6a8WTE6tCz2wiH4XLUIGSXfjW0LzVxCSbadtjBh97H92vIjXAxR2ruHxUxAchDoGHCNiZY97NlruPp5McBKWQtF2JSLUb26h31VhXc3OZvUWQ=w400-h269" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Ringed Plover <i>Charadrius hiaticula</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfFTwdCDnfVNYi_ZgnZUA3UZf4NLQDNWs_gOhZf9CDpOEwgH6YuGtm951uOwGgmuy8sjyDn8c8kwaYcKx6tIjeDkQLa8XbU1c-VriHR3U2l9FzRlsKquZyecizN0nxbS63S6AAyyu56N1XlSILiAw6wUAmajbYh7QMHniNn4vUvEn8gOV1aQ=s1545" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1545" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfFTwdCDnfVNYi_ZgnZUA3UZf4NLQDNWs_gOhZf9CDpOEwgH6YuGtm951uOwGgmuy8sjyDn8c8kwaYcKx6tIjeDkQLa8XbU1c-VriHR3U2l9FzRlsKquZyecizN0nxbS63S6AAyyu56N1XlSILiAw6wUAmajbYh7QMHniNn4vUvEn8gOV1aQ=w400-h254" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cream-coloured Courser <i>Cursorius cursor</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2RI7C-YDPW3LcM8oyDx8MN5YUITECTmBSKuyyv0JVhOP6dTCT67gRPETKvGu1oh7yLWQwi3ldUWrXkYpmDwHzVdJH-YQZDRlQsdE4db9VrqsEJHRoc9TBdYyu-4WLJu_Gkn1YapIKCN3Thkqwb6UiuB5ZmMffbUgno3lcJVIYqtjNIbyFTA=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2160" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2RI7C-YDPW3LcM8oyDx8MN5YUITECTmBSKuyyv0JVhOP6dTCT67gRPETKvGu1oh7yLWQwi3ldUWrXkYpmDwHzVdJH-YQZDRlQsdE4db9VrqsEJHRoc9TBdYyu-4WLJu_Gkn1YapIKCN3Thkqwb6UiuB5ZmMffbUgno3lcJVIYqtjNIbyFTA=w400-h253" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Eublemma cochylioides</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDrWbHkE6gLcK7dXKrB4GAWrStoiSYraaajJ8RE8Nq-fKaGyabC48cRjvvDBXC62NIdB7jvzldixxEbLsJ2X86e-l3b7Ihon08OZ441n1VjZmP6fhYLc9o0GmmoGdNdcWxKqLZak4Bd_VSzGOK6xf-Plehb_T2hhnYnax3GWEZBunwSeL2UQ=s1440" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1093" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDrWbHkE6gLcK7dXKrB4GAWrStoiSYraaajJ8RE8Nq-fKaGyabC48cRjvvDBXC62NIdB7jvzldixxEbLsJ2X86e-l3b7Ihon08OZ441n1VjZmP6fhYLc9o0GmmoGdNdcWxKqLZak4Bd_VSzGOK6xf-Plehb_T2hhnYnax3GWEZBunwSeL2UQ=w304-h400" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium Bronze <i>Cacyreus marshalli</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja9o8rCz8WFZOcfNef7sWMEMk7yDPQyjuSSrsFcac1InupakbjF8qc9GAiqxM107EVH2tov_2D_PfsbAi9avO7gDHPgb7x1nHUnRorOPVtW3OPc8rCe_HN6cFSKXjhRC9qWT4rPC6bagNdEoIL_5JEkki40PSu8bsVB-1g8bkGSSGqoGT7BQ=s1440" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1134" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja9o8rCz8WFZOcfNef7sWMEMk7yDPQyjuSSrsFcac1InupakbjF8qc9GAiqxM107EVH2tov_2D_PfsbAi9avO7gDHPgb7x1nHUnRorOPVtW3OPc8rCe_HN6cFSKXjhRC9qWT4rPC6bagNdEoIL_5JEkki40PSu8bsVB-1g8bkGSSGqoGT7BQ=w315-h400" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Grey Shrike <i>Lanius excubitor koenigi</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTA-fmszaanO6iZuZU_KY4bTpo7mfu2t20IcCUNYnKQQXMSBQjcICCJm4CaDA_K5LkghxCZyWuftDLJg4eXXd5PK24ys5mXmzDY7nUtLdlR9ERmK5JpnSZa2dNVp7_P7E-_mURG3FDx535HAByZezPq9D-k9cj1vrycaTncXn-ZZTYZEwc4g=s1650" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1650" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTA-fmszaanO6iZuZU_KY4bTpo7mfu2t20IcCUNYnKQQXMSBQjcICCJm4CaDA_K5LkghxCZyWuftDLJg4eXXd5PK24ys5mXmzDY7nUtLdlR9ERmK5JpnSZa2dNVp7_P7E-_mURG3FDx535HAByZezPq9D-k9cj1vrycaTncXn-ZZTYZEwc4g=w400-h349" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Drab <i>Ophiusa tirhaca</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgybpfQyeOw7CtiRgYpXgUdF0Pxgd3sG83KCipS0L1Iv01stosZPSgmZMEsOi79FnwgcGHkmwtwywcbbkGx_QnnKswzRKWLJG1ud1psvxMcKFr2CXP0h6uos507KKTYb0jsZNrs4hNkpsCCAVwW78PLXei2jO3zAWwCyr8jjHFZqrfSJmS3ZQ=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="2160" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgybpfQyeOw7CtiRgYpXgUdF0Pxgd3sG83KCipS0L1Iv01stosZPSgmZMEsOi79FnwgcGHkmwtwywcbbkGx_QnnKswzRKWLJG1ud1psvxMcKFr2CXP0h6uos507KKTYb0jsZNrs4hNkpsCCAVwW78PLXei2jO3zAWwCyr8jjHFZqrfSJmS3ZQ=w400-h264" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Sandpiper <i>Tringa ochropus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjgT1WkVWVK47A3Geezlev9eHqM4N20sF1VGDKKO9ErAbQW6tC0bTBeDPK-Iya4G2glmsS3E2-Y6HlM4b5vO53DhaufrJN8LcmXII1rSeiE-LSPb3KpLJ1cq9Xbo5B9w7IaDMUhxDBDOzHlLIwpmUbwxvoy-g_bJ-4lBYcOd_2f7I7hMu_Qg=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2160" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjgT1WkVWVK47A3Geezlev9eHqM4N20sF1VGDKKO9ErAbQW6tC0bTBeDPK-Iya4G2glmsS3E2-Y6HlM4b5vO53DhaufrJN8LcmXII1rSeiE-LSPb3KpLJ1cq9Xbo5B9w7IaDMUhxDBDOzHlLIwpmUbwxvoy-g_bJ-4lBYcOd_2f7I7hMu_Qg=w400-h246" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurasian Hoopoe <i>Upupa epops</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA0iI1SHVk-fDUi0Q1Z2THgerJ_JeX-gC5o0p9DLkuNUxMRSgmGDWzXmRonOFrSCHUxZsRcXn72eqkn_wVhp9xXtX6smfLkU2HN9_R7cG9vlFPvRlZUoDZUTMYpxEDExTytgyLWqH4jCGB6yJmZk8K_FXFkeCReD1a57Yt_LJqrMBUuzg76g=s1997" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1997" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA0iI1SHVk-fDUi0Q1Z2THgerJ_JeX-gC5o0p9DLkuNUxMRSgmGDWzXmRonOFrSCHUxZsRcXn72eqkn_wVhp9xXtX6smfLkU2HN9_R7cG9vlFPvRlZUoDZUTMYpxEDExTytgyLWqH4jCGB6yJmZk8K_FXFkeCReD1a57Yt_LJqrMBUuzg76g=w400-h289" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyFovVTJXbynWw0kY6oCfooWPKXwdTnSLsKt-uUEseHavMNpq2Eftj72YFITX_CEmWm4sCoKiRhW2JKwJkemW04Glmi2kCfaz5rguiDGdBIDCm_tZyj0HvLukpRTyE4nW0H6F-vlZy7VqygIvXGmbWCg6reU74vIiFaoQ_wUxKF_8CEEZ2Xg=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2160" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyFovVTJXbynWw0kY6oCfooWPKXwdTnSLsKt-uUEseHavMNpq2Eftj72YFITX_CEmWm4sCoKiRhW2JKwJkemW04Glmi2kCfaz5rguiDGdBIDCm_tZyj0HvLukpRTyE4nW0H6F-vlZy7VqygIvXGmbWCg6reU74vIiFaoQ_wUxKF_8CEEZ2Xg=w400-h265" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentish Plover <i>Charadrius alexandrinus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_L8TeFZDazvXC79YX3-boFwgju02Zfh8wz6lmZhfinx4FGGXJCW7jEh2PdTr4VSzxnJyurCvYFLZxhhgkwtc70ZiWNVWnA-o_DDGIKB7f3rOVHA7Df9dvxk0MwVzZ2eVgYWSQzV_g4D5kicKXwp7UUxdtoXPCYjqiTh0qN5P3JmsaRLLCxQ=s1440" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1194" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_L8TeFZDazvXC79YX3-boFwgju02Zfh8wz6lmZhfinx4FGGXJCW7jEh2PdTr4VSzxnJyurCvYFLZxhhgkwtc70ZiWNVWnA-o_DDGIKB7f3rOVHA7Df9dvxk0MwVzZ2eVgYWSQzV_g4D5kicKXwp7UUxdtoXPCYjqiTh0qN5P3JmsaRLLCxQ=w331-h400" width="331" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Linnet <i>Carduelis cannabina harterti</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWWeFdKP0sBfHZ-rzgC1d6sDETReIbO56aTepvvoXJ1W9tBtdnnNcmCs1PpSSbrJGmZ_HCTLU2XzAdLg6TyacSb4xr2CzCPZUmeAo3_08dXBjUxNTvrGMoSWuKrBmr40xzQT5T2oyRzDNE-y500ZLXYjaCZBsFbid3ffjJwPF2N5GxNgNNUg=s1946" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1946" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWWeFdKP0sBfHZ-rzgC1d6sDETReIbO56aTepvvoXJ1W9tBtdnnNcmCs1PpSSbrJGmZ_HCTLU2XzAdLg6TyacSb4xr2CzCPZUmeAo3_08dXBjUxNTvrGMoSWuKrBmr40xzQT5T2oyRzDNE-y500ZLXYjaCZBsFbid3ffjJwPF2N5GxNgNNUg=w400-h296" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mediterranean Short-toed Lark <i>Alaudala rufescens</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2W9bYV0v35C8dqzRwtSeHYEhaFU4rFykBsSjSkwGcUncOmgTAfmWTQK4cjgCNlQFd2qm_wdl6SJx1UBzwE0qePGf5wsfO4w0IlfWO3FrawvBIQhnospHAXfPuBtzoE3krYNlBqlSSAFBSpdSkZN-boBhPHpFfDB3IFkXhyZAM2Ij_xUyCow=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1405" data-original-width="2160" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2W9bYV0v35C8dqzRwtSeHYEhaFU4rFykBsSjSkwGcUncOmgTAfmWTQK4cjgCNlQFd2qm_wdl6SJx1UBzwE0qePGf5wsfO4w0IlfWO3FrawvBIQhnospHAXfPuBtzoE3krYNlBqlSSAFBSpdSkZN-boBhPHpFfDB3IFkXhyZAM2Ij_xUyCow=w400-h260" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plain Tiger <i>Danaus chrysippus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxkw06t8kKtcQDa27EiOTVqcBKRi1-kY7MC2OHHJriDIxtYuVWC9UrIUssDpJi6VPOFyHjtyB3fuyuTgyZShWuEuXS5f_G99Djw6xSrVijNW3nuQp0BKNxhu9tiMqwUapD6BgrCj3QdOeEyjj9iZ6m5Qe4UF9IHfhEmoitfPUz5Y3pzvQGog=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="2160" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxkw06t8kKtcQDa27EiOTVqcBKRi1-kY7MC2OHHJriDIxtYuVWC9UrIUssDpJi6VPOFyHjtyB3fuyuTgyZShWuEuXS5f_G99Djw6xSrVijNW3nuQp0BKNxhu9tiMqwUapD6BgrCj3QdOeEyjj9iZ6m5Qe4UF9IHfhEmoitfPUz5Y3pzvQGog=w400-h246" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delta dimidiatipenne (a Potter Wasp)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8A0cylyUPMkeG9HsYWkDxC_eJ3Qy7FqurN_BLBVC4JEVetwO7H0A8BwcS48pwYKHPa320XADPvUf3WmyoapygeIovO7Zxp1GECCBuSBTiD_o0iUbuyvohQBbCVZ7UYOH5WuYgiSqamcEfVx5cxHo_OdkNeM4qdcp1zG0tyzCtnIk0U6z8NA=s1366" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1366" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8A0cylyUPMkeG9HsYWkDxC_eJ3Qy7FqurN_BLBVC4JEVetwO7H0A8BwcS48pwYKHPa320XADPvUf3WmyoapygeIovO7Zxp1GECCBuSBTiD_o0iUbuyvohQBbCVZ7UYOH5WuYgiSqamcEfVx5cxHo_OdkNeM4qdcp1zG0tyzCtnIk0U6z8NA=w400-h272" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivFs-Pd16OKbcAKnDuxMwHkWGGTn7ouk-MWC8k5-EywX_Kj-IOwfUPFP1Bp6394vMnbIQU86JQyyTUvjLgawghjevPEX_MaOYBLjjQgCgPgfkfeueX1qz99MJCgotr2iyJBgqZAgvQapxv8UHHgb0fVYjA6tdVA-rsFdkYfBQk2YivozpjIg=s1506" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1506" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivFs-Pd16OKbcAKnDuxMwHkWGGTn7ouk-MWC8k5-EywX_Kj-IOwfUPFP1Bp6394vMnbIQU86JQyyTUvjLgawghjevPEX_MaOYBLjjQgCgPgfkfeueX1qz99MJCgotr2iyJBgqZAgvQapxv8UHHgb0fVYjA6tdVA-rsFdkYfBQk2YivozpjIg=w400-h383" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIy4Dim7JqfYqSF5U12ZxI3q-kIeq3pU4Ndd9ITcCd0lgerofZxH2rsYbsCmdzLPniHe-u0IRkZQrGo2BQT9xVHQb-VsHKMz7DSK6eIB05rn7utrOhGwNVtvsZ-8aEzmMYy6JYgjo0rEbNbklkWxlceYXoNKQ8hAvGbkZtFxUinYHW3encbw=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="2160" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIy4Dim7JqfYqSF5U12ZxI3q-kIeq3pU4Ndd9ITcCd0lgerofZxH2rsYbsCmdzLPniHe-u0IRkZQrGo2BQT9xVHQb-VsHKMz7DSK6eIB05rn7utrOhGwNVtvsZ-8aEzmMYy6JYgjo0rEbNbklkWxlceYXoNKQ8hAvGbkZtFxUinYHW3encbw=w400-h261" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ring-billed Gull <i>Larus delawarensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1jgL1h7xwtAqo1fepNigW--SmL8_HcPyoAd6j36HWVadhm_3mkfaavWEQzxdRrkqiMzdecLNN-xLaKlgVd-pL0eIqw_5XTN5IafdzJA0lpuZV5A77TC8YGS0EwchOHofXCAV0JRA5h0TglASjbMgEJrPNB0tF2mlbIGuPuQv9Bu-Mdhlhzg=s1366" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1366" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1jgL1h7xwtAqo1fepNigW--SmL8_HcPyoAd6j36HWVadhm_3mkfaavWEQzxdRrkqiMzdecLNN-xLaKlgVd-pL0eIqw_5XTN5IafdzJA0lpuZV5A77TC8YGS0EwchOHofXCAV0JRA5h0TglASjbMgEJrPNB0tF2mlbIGuPuQv9Bu-Mdhlhzg=w400-h272" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandwich Tern <i>Thalasseus sandvicensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh76w7l7BAT5jMpZalTC-TKtq3hu9nfVif7xNdwDX6YC72EVv-BjPPGlDMZmnBkLDhyoDGvqgR6pPidY0t0q9eJzzQybSoVm2Q27rLPugZ0OspbqxfW8bnzTiKgHEwGOQLlN0o7Z-HYubbP7UVNKFWNWkjJ11mPV1tGXOPu2Im3njSvak3xbw=s1440" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1116" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh76w7l7BAT5jMpZalTC-TKtq3hu9nfVif7xNdwDX6YC72EVv-BjPPGlDMZmnBkLDhyoDGvqgR6pPidY0t0q9eJzzQybSoVm2Q27rLPugZ0OspbqxfW8bnzTiKgHEwGOQLlN0o7Z-HYubbP7UVNKFWNWkjJ11mPV1tGXOPu2Im3njSvak3xbw=w310-h400" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurasian Spoonbill <i>Platalea leucorodia </i>(Ringed "NAJA")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOGvVIrhSQGdQtn129kfTT7ZRfOfHHD4fIZwfib8pvl-VVR42tqxm_7Zqs5oV_gGxZRT2eGf1-bofm2Wwd1WP_wt98SYbkkYHuUh5fI7o6Cqo9ysEu53IyUM2KofADeH4-LZMOmSMC6mgTBAZ1WvpFajE_0kEPzE5urpxOERykpWx6ZMM7aA=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2160" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOGvVIrhSQGdQtn129kfTT7ZRfOfHHD4fIZwfib8pvl-VVR42tqxm_7Zqs5oV_gGxZRT2eGf1-bofm2Wwd1WP_wt98SYbkkYHuUh5fI7o6Cqo9ysEu53IyUM2KofADeH4-LZMOmSMC6mgTBAZ1WvpFajE_0kEPzE5urpxOERykpWx6ZMM7aA=w400-h254" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_fXFj3_7DGWtZsHB6vwss1u7JHhY0rU1DD1xayMC9HNDScBP7ufOpErTWPuBXriyagOk3L9H0FxczLszCarxra1iC4neOozVkz5gMpMijC7Ta3Si68Fox4PFUn5rDxy7CEJP4aOnKrDHpmasHhTVhO3MWM6A74BQR7-LRZXT2nU4Lv2OftQ=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2160" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_fXFj3_7DGWtZsHB6vwss1u7JHhY0rU1DD1xayMC9HNDScBP7ufOpErTWPuBXriyagOk3L9H0FxczLszCarxra1iC4neOozVkz5gMpMijC7Ta3Si68Fox4PFUn5rDxy7CEJP4aOnKrDHpmasHhTVhO3MWM6A74BQR7-LRZXT2nU4Lv2OftQ=w400-h255" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurasian Stone-curlew <i>Burhinus oedicnemus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUURGX9hVqMUjtnxPo86nV5hVWR0ULGEUVB9bA65EP1o_9ULP9gigSqd8XXceq2tDtv0rt_1awfyi5i2eLQydD8CHkPTyhsG9LBm2J6YHOYCVmxYrGa4bNWxjUGaMEC2L51K8JYFJNcIw7RpyVJ0tTwEkRuiPkYygz9e7G_6j9qqPoVgLiyQ=s1616" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1616" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUURGX9hVqMUjtnxPo86nV5hVWR0ULGEUVB9bA65EP1o_9ULP9gigSqd8XXceq2tDtv0rt_1awfyi5i2eLQydD8CHkPTyhsG9LBm2J6YHOYCVmxYrGa4bNWxjUGaMEC2L51K8JYFJNcIw7RpyVJ0tTwEkRuiPkYygz9e7G_6j9qqPoVgLiyQ=w400-h356" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJTa699Szzddwdw_zpUBVTRGL2HUV46XfvnkLdH4Xw3Ivdyvo7IT2V4mpyJ1PaxUte1ZeYNdGfUeN-5Qp8mNQuxcs0nVKimjG6W2KN56iCAcIgy7-6JYxiXkpEFbvLVCNVQKbARJEomXJWptyWvxLTdpeVsyEeoae3aa_1uiKGgJunvrHHAg=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="2160" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJTa699Szzddwdw_zpUBVTRGL2HUV46XfvnkLdH4Xw3Ivdyvo7IT2V4mpyJ1PaxUte1ZeYNdGfUeN-5Qp8mNQuxcs0nVKimjG6W2KN56iCAcIgy7-6JYxiXkpEFbvLVCNVQKbARJEomXJWptyWvxLTdpeVsyEeoae3aa_1uiKGgJunvrHHAg=w400-h241" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trumpeter Finch <i>Bucanetes githagineus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfx3U-jm4ds-GRQYJokFLyot_7yYakKSOMAX8mhRphnZCTtPTD2QmC9rS2gsN0T1a81HUjJt9Xu9x27xR_QoXERNQZltbVxyc-ndG_caZ6JkhEKjeyY8cVrrKS5jyCXSEs2FghycT2MEqk3C0CZ9XSh-QSqkZxDuIOB8zUOJOwNbgXAbHLCQ=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="2160" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfx3U-jm4ds-GRQYJokFLyot_7yYakKSOMAX8mhRphnZCTtPTD2QmC9rS2gsN0T1a81HUjJt9Xu9x27xR_QoXERNQZltbVxyc-ndG_caZ6JkhEKjeyY8cVrrKS5jyCXSEs2FghycT2MEqk3C0CZ9XSh-QSqkZxDuIOB8zUOJOwNbgXAbHLCQ=w400-h268" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurasian Whimbrel <i>Numenius phaeopus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-53387520208101829482022-01-15T13:29:00.013+00:002022-01-16T15:30:52.941+00:00Fuerteventura - Week One<p>First a bit of background. Since becoming nomadic over four years ago it has always been our intention to spend the majority of the winter months somewhere warmer than the UK. That worked fine for the first couple of years with extended stays in Spain and SE Asia. Then COVID19 landed and that became a little more difficult. But with Spain now allowing entry for the multiply vaccinated it was time to risk leaving the sceptic isle and planned to utilise our post-Brexit 90 days to the full.</p><p>For the first month we booked a place in the north of Fuerteventura, planning to move on to Tenerife for February and the mainland for March. By spending at least 4 weeks in each place we managed to find good AirBnB discounts and flights were pretty cheap.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuP9gBgKlu68G_kDqJVaI9m0nDpnsuMWoOBw9dyWJvTe1O3OmUaxcTghf_3HOjooYDlIfX9XDickl4brdGTS3xEv5fwyrlGhN5EmffrF79wZT5FxWg_u732LE2h9Hae7wW7PqwHTqzpCmVkoZqUCGGW8iUYorUSFvDlf1yRPqcwnzTbtC-aQ=s1587" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1587" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuP9gBgKlu68G_kDqJVaI9m0nDpnsuMWoOBw9dyWJvTe1O3OmUaxcTghf_3HOjooYDlIfX9XDickl4brdGTS3xEv5fwyrlGhN5EmffrF79wZT5FxWg_u732LE2h9Hae7wW7PqwHTqzpCmVkoZqUCGGW8iUYorUSFvDlf1yRPqcwnzTbtC-aQ=w400-h363" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-legged Gull <i>Larus michahellis atlantis</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Our early flight from Luton had to be de-iced before departure and it did feel good to be leaving -4C behind. Only 40 people on the plane and a very quite arrivals area at Fuerteventura airport meant formalities were super fast. Our Spanish health check QR code was just scanned through with no other checks. Unfortunately we arrived on Three Kings Day and as a result bus services were vastly reduced and those that were running rather full. So we took a fast taxi ride north to our base at Corralejo in the north of the island.<p></p><p>First impressions were of a largely bird free place. Others have remarked on this but don't be disheartened. Only Yellow-legged Gulls and Feral Pigeons seen at the airport and virtually nothing on the way. There didn't seem to be much more around the apartment complex where we were staying but it was rather windy and it was sunny and 21C, so who cares!</p><p><i><b>Friday, 7 January 2022</b></i></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXY8kd_94F2oGM8M3LauejZV_4glpHxe7Aqs4kvfix_oeUvOO_M0Nqz8pfn5WEDeoB6qKNB-K5IbbdZyWlqvOLJiv6MJO8b1rd2wzSCqiaExsk9IHmxQe54mBYYlYdx5-HNRT1f3g2d_9SSha6YBSkXk7DUfyez26UnvTaTcYrzpaKGYMWoQ=s2160" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="2160" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXY8kd_94F2oGM8M3LauejZV_4glpHxe7Aqs4kvfix_oeUvOO_M0Nqz8pfn5WEDeoB6qKNB-K5IbbdZyWlqvOLJiv6MJO8b1rd2wzSCqiaExsk9IHmxQe54mBYYlYdx5-HNRT1f3g2d_9SSha6YBSkXk7DUfyez26UnvTaTcYrzpaKGYMWoQ=w400-h203" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbary Partridge <i>Alectoris barbara</i></td></tr></tbody></table>I'd chosen an apartment right on the edge of the Corralejo Natural Park, a huge swathe of desert habitat, sandy with rocks at the north end close to us, becoming more open sand further south. Soon after dawn, but still with a strong NEly blowing I set out to explore. First bird I encountered was a Great Grey Shrike of the local <i>koenigi</i> race that remained at some distance. Soon after, and still quite close to the edge of town, I encountered a flock of Barbary Partridge. Also very wary, these ran off some way but I later encountered either this or another flock of 8 on my return.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA3AzLXwRLKDRTohUPp0jUwegP6dBWQN_zcyQsC6E4zwmrF0Buf2ZZFQrbecY3nxpkQdc01jxaNZVW9R1kO9fAUASglNavRmaW56RrIE8U6B2HgvMfpadc7Q5B25MK4s3oLnDOyCaA4yC1FfDIZh__EMPCNAPVX809ixKRz2p3c5OSces6zg=s2160" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2160" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA3AzLXwRLKDRTohUPp0jUwegP6dBWQN_zcyQsC6E4zwmrF0Buf2ZZFQrbecY3nxpkQdc01jxaNZVW9R1kO9fAUASglNavRmaW56RrIE8U6B2HgvMfpadc7Q5B25MK4s3oLnDOyCaA4yC1FfDIZh__EMPCNAPVX809ixKRz2p3c5OSces6zg=w400-h200" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanderling <i>Calidris alba</i></td></tr></tbody></table>One Rabbit was the only other wildlife I encountered on my way down to the shore, where I set up the scope for a bit of seawatching in the strong wind. Optimistic seawatching is a favourite pastime of mine but only Yellow-legged Gulls were out at sea this time. There was plenty going on along the shore though. 2 Sandwich Terns were nice to see and waders included Grey, Ringed and Kentish Plovers, Sanderling, Dunlin and Whimbrel. A Little Egret was expected but a juvenile Spoonbill passing less so.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHurEnjOfarV_MCU4wmEx_4f5v1ykkeO7peOZIRTsNusycvwyNJWFV41op_AlzbY8NyY9lN7cNKQnHbI8AKlJ0GkokpnXxkib6TNUrIGwo-BIGDSlcfH7bpxauxWHldVmAlaQeXUSNAK_gRkVuwIIcZcprmFEIQPfuZ6JyV23UPKCyaT658Q=s2160" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2160" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHurEnjOfarV_MCU4wmEx_4f5v1ykkeO7peOZIRTsNusycvwyNJWFV41op_AlzbY8NyY9lN7cNKQnHbI8AKlJ0GkokpnXxkib6TNUrIGwo-BIGDSlcfH7bpxauxWHldVmAlaQeXUSNAK_gRkVuwIIcZcprmFEIQPfuZ6JyV23UPKCyaT658Q=w400-h265" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berthelot's Pipit <i>Anthus berthelotii</i></td></tr></tbody></table>I returned via a longer route through the desert habitat and was rewarded with two flocks of Mediterranean Short-toed Larks (the name for the recently split, streaky western taxon of the former Lesser Short-toed Lark). The first held a single Linnet and the second several <b>Berthelot's Pipits</b>. My first lifer of the trip. This was fairly quickly followed by the second as two <b>Pain Swifts</b> flew around unfished buildings close to the apartments. Their rather uniform appearance and deeply forked tail put me in mind of Palm Swifts.<p></p><p><i><b>Saturday, 8 January 2022</b></i></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQZ8I8at9Owi5ocUBIkulbPqGb-HNEcYoFjFAzRXvPW3HNTfXCO5wDOPXPv9mGss5Jb5JgsZf_0FnUpC9jtXUJ3MhBhs6QLLaP5WZCUcrdDxvJ8xVdrv7vv4tZ-G3XsjZKqqdvs5OqgDZCn6jM9IqZIXFRk3WHGlXEgM50xs2i9kHwleARCA=s2160" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="2160" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQZ8I8at9Owi5ocUBIkulbPqGb-HNEcYoFjFAzRXvPW3HNTfXCO5wDOPXPv9mGss5Jb5JgsZf_0FnUpC9jtXUJ3MhBhs6QLLaP5WZCUcrdDxvJ8xVdrv7vv4tZ-G3XsjZKqqdvs5OqgDZCn6jM9IqZIXFRk3WHGlXEgM50xs2i9kHwleARCA=w400-h259" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Sparrow <i>Passer hispaniolensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table>After the encouraging birds yesterday I decided to push further into the NP today. Heading due south took me through the sandy, stony scrub until I hit some high ground overlooking more open sandy habitat. Scanning from here failed to reveal much though and none of the previous day's birds showed apart from a couple of Great Grey Shrikes and a few Berthelot's Pipits. 3 Ravens were the only new birds.<p></p><p>Later it was good to photograph the waders on the rising tide and I added Spanish Sparrow in town. Finally there was a bewildering encounter with a presumed exotic. Collared Dove sized with a very long tail and comparatively short wings. Dove-like light. Overall pale but with some dark marks on the upper wings. Otherwise it kept flying away towards town and I couldn't get any more on it. It did utter a rather parakeet like harsh multisylabic call but is certainly nothing I've encountered anywhere before.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjzlz8mxh4CmOJacDTp0bVl6rJSMfFWWsvIPmlWLRLPJOmDLoSbwgpfhGBQgxr60b5pcorsSbrJDWgBUQPWpSlZoep6MfruvfZdGFqZlk9BwTPjgGCHKph-N-XrxHc87v_UGCGnn4t8Ej-HmQbvIoEW8uyfa7oJwPguk5ToKtoZTb0QMvdUA=s1440" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1102" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjzlz8mxh4CmOJacDTp0bVl6rJSMfFWWsvIPmlWLRLPJOmDLoSbwgpfhGBQgxr60b5pcorsSbrJDWgBUQPWpSlZoep6MfruvfZdGFqZlk9BwTPjgGCHKph-N-XrxHc87v_UGCGnn4t8Ej-HmQbvIoEW8uyfa7oJwPguk5ToKtoZTb0QMvdUA=w306-h400" width="306" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Egret <i>Egretta garzetta</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5VmIbJyjw1mfc9SsqvVAy3z0XE-uVDE62nffPvzDeHDZgz63nEXQzy3u7RBldtBOtb7_iWEh-NmOAscAAEOk4O8SlmMCPgaBj9aPEWVb2Ms0zdCwEzy2aP5iTN7QzddLkJc2PPBiLSz3NVoOWNBj80i2a9sryQOddWQFQ9cQGv5N_CK4PNA=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2160" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5VmIbJyjw1mfc9SsqvVAy3z0XE-uVDE62nffPvzDeHDZgz63nEXQzy3u7RBldtBOtb7_iWEh-NmOAscAAEOk4O8SlmMCPgaBj9aPEWVb2Ms0zdCwEzy2aP5iTN7QzddLkJc2PPBiLSz3NVoOWNBj80i2a9sryQOddWQFQ9cQGv5N_CK4PNA=w400-h254" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandlerling <i>Calidris alba</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4cmMDKr1CYv_SZFtZQ47UoQ1ErdcafgmEhOYtilHyo9lj1PAcBtlThrQGIG5HyKFzyCg6ZzTFR_DpnR70AOv9YTX0Kcy6mb13yOBbiefmAG8QEFAVRjsxCwD4YeYzBWLTmDRikTVq8Is6kS0-IGIiG_ZESikqVyCVi6sn5Dh9mHvDbl6F_g=s1738" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1738" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4cmMDKr1CYv_SZFtZQ47UoQ1ErdcafgmEhOYtilHyo9lj1PAcBtlThrQGIG5HyKFzyCg6ZzTFR_DpnR70AOv9YTX0Kcy6mb13yOBbiefmAG8QEFAVRjsxCwD4YeYzBWLTmDRikTVq8Is6kS0-IGIiG_ZESikqVyCVi6sn5Dh9mHvDbl6F_g=w400-h331" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whimbrel <i>Numenius phaeopus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><i><b>Sunday, 8 January 2022</b></i></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrsHurTxuwDyqYEMk2CT42O8p8jrzgAdGIy_NM0RYTet-bjf-oywTrhKPg06ZTUg0Zc2AsZ4gYv7KDWjxaKYKTXprYxlhWelzMfutTGD9Zs8LSObgHn4qnHIjWtGnjNl3sCtNN7nterDjo_OlkrLJ4lFB4YeAQ8DCHfXPxymuTo4b9_OispA=s1200" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1200" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrsHurTxuwDyqYEMk2CT42O8p8jrzgAdGIy_NM0RYTet-bjf-oywTrhKPg06ZTUg0Zc2AsZ4gYv7KDWjxaKYKTXprYxlhWelzMfutTGD9Zs8LSObgHn4qnHIjWtGnjNl3sCtNN7nterDjo_OlkrLJ4lFB4YeAQ8DCHfXPxymuTo4b9_OispA=w400-h278" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egyptian Vulture <i>Neophron percnopterus</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Later start today and decided to check out the high ground west of town. Made it to the base of the Volcanes de Bayuyo picking up a very welcome Barbary Falcon on the way! No doubt attracted to the quite large numbers of Collared Doves out this side of town. The signed footpaths here seem to just head up to some quarry working where it's unclear where, if anywhere, you can continue. Anyway I was happy to pick up my first Spectacled Warbler here and even happier with the 3 or 4 Egyptian Vultures cruising about. Adding 2 Ravens and a Common Buzzard (presumably the local race) I felt this was an area worth returning to another day.<p></p><p>Other additions today were a rapid flyby danainid (possibly Plain Tiger), a Painted Lady and a couple of Hoopoes. A party of high flying swifts remained unidentified.</p><p>Star bird award went to a very showy Great Grey Shrike right next to the apartments, which caught and ate a large caterpillar.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQZ_MA1PmVoUtXWEJOIEWZ1Nfsv7O5GLRsW0Ptt9EfG1iIIYBSEnoGCDq_76KDhfvx_oLG_uOXKZsyN6BfEhCsdpuxMawUboAUcWS6Q7f_YpVia2nIUAPaD7sCX1xh5hRzvP4zqWgMmuwRH-Au0w1tC9p_w8mWPtl4ATDVN0RcWzbz0Lh38g=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1097" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQZ_MA1PmVoUtXWEJOIEWZ1Nfsv7O5GLRsW0Ptt9EfG1iIIYBSEnoGCDq_76KDhfvx_oLG_uOXKZsyN6BfEhCsdpuxMawUboAUcWS6Q7f_YpVia2nIUAPaD7sCX1xh5hRzvP4zqWgMmuwRH-Au0w1tC9p_w8mWPtl4ATDVN0RcWzbz0Lh38g=w305-h400" width="305" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG-REuLpKcog3wRSMGIAa8inFxhQcery50b3OXLAs0SvWTOZ47hL3Kh_rObG46E0vzIG_9shmrfktcnXjKPSB8fJMxzWnJjIY3rQvIpM5amIHouBz9mt0LH-qkkNs-TtNAqPeEvOdNdzWUlJ6yKCB-1CccpD4H7qWZOBRfxXGX34c0DDywrw=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="2160" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG-REuLpKcog3wRSMGIAa8inFxhQcery50b3OXLAs0SvWTOZ47hL3Kh_rObG46E0vzIG_9shmrfktcnXjKPSB8fJMxzWnJjIY3rQvIpM5amIHouBz9mt0LH-qkkNs-TtNAqPeEvOdNdzWUlJ6yKCB-1CccpD4H7qWZOBRfxXGX34c0DDywrw=w400-h245" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsPZeaXD6B4jUfMkiWXJA3MeRtV_00MpS2OlCIStiOOc0obz2G-VYJxw-DtbP4DC1Qab76P76NVai7_bEVf0ijmz-XLc3rBiDbwSRXEs3QuNElC7Oev_c3lL7aRhlxAtgCTjwqpTJwoz4Zv9uTLuwWJ2tLEOOqaIr4nwPHgM6lSYSBgBWYeg=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="2160" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsPZeaXD6B4jUfMkiWXJA3MeRtV_00MpS2OlCIStiOOc0obz2G-VYJxw-DtbP4DC1Qab76P76NVai7_bEVf0ijmz-XLc3rBiDbwSRXEs3QuNElC7Oev_c3lL7aRhlxAtgCTjwqpTJwoz4Zv9uTLuwWJ2tLEOOqaIr4nwPHgM6lSYSBgBWYeg=w400-h255" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Grey Shrike <i>Lanius excubitor koenigi</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jy6GKmQvdxY" width="320" youtube-src-id="Jy6GKmQvdxY"></iframe></div><p><b><i>Monday, 9 January 2022</i></b></p><p>Rain! High cloud all day and enough rain to wet the ground a.m. but much less wind and a distinct change in bird activity as a result. The day started with a party of at least 10 House Martins and 1 Barn Swallow passing the apartments along with a small flock of unidentified swifts. Nothing stuck around very long though.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmwhgYj-UXcdz6LduxezRrLumVsXaPTNPhyLiBPCpVp0BEMjLDWltn9cnYU4vUVMs6lBzTUNovYlRbn3IeYiyNpatmrxAaevEj__Ob7UMGykJd831CzkOWpWaCB99ngJEqNzYf7na6KTRSM0sPlRv-tFLfeJSILPLKBWE-GnwuWJbNGhz5PQ=s1366" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1366" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmwhgYj-UXcdz6LduxezRrLumVsXaPTNPhyLiBPCpVp0BEMjLDWltn9cnYU4vUVMs6lBzTUNovYlRbn3IeYiyNpatmrxAaevEj__Ob7UMGykJd831CzkOWpWaCB99ngJEqNzYf7na6KTRSM0sPlRv-tFLfeJSILPLKBWE-GnwuWJbNGhz5PQ=w400-h254" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houbara Bustard <i>Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae</i></td></tr></tbody></table>A moment's indecision on leaving in the morning. To go back and check the caldera area or try to press on further into the desert. I chose the latter and spent the first 30-40 minutes seeing nothing at all. That all changed pretty quickly though as I suddenly and unexpectedly flushed a group of 3 <b>Houbara Bustards</b>. I'd pretty much given up on seeing them close to Corralejo, partly because of the number of joggers and dog walkers using the northern end. I watched them land at some distance but made no attempt to get closer. I'm not much of a photographer and had no wish to disturb them further. The grainy impression here will have to do. Pleased to have found these within walking distance as I really thought I'd need a car to get to the more regular sites.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkWdgZqf9WaXOik17AZcdddj35drmtMMgh-n5UQynNjPFxzkg2DWzZAMmL-OW6KW63ugJR5BnenKmlWQjtIRHVOkfmNsKokfgDE4ZcVfY3XrjY-V3cxESwVx5jau6cJjBiY2SQv0gZE_GEY-5nRWWtiK-Mr6iNCJXHKyveRywJdlyj8rkN-g=s2160" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="2160" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkWdgZqf9WaXOik17AZcdddj35drmtMMgh-n5UQynNjPFxzkg2DWzZAMmL-OW6KW63ugJR5BnenKmlWQjtIRHVOkfmNsKokfgDE4ZcVfY3XrjY-V3cxESwVx5jau6cJjBiY2SQv0gZE_GEY-5nRWWtiK-Mr6iNCJXHKyveRywJdlyj8rkN-g=w400-h263" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectacled Warbler <i>Sylvia conspicillata orbitalis</i></td></tr></tbody></table>The spot they flushed from proved to be a bit of a goldmine. As I watched the bustards I caught the sound of an alarm call and was soon watching a fairly showy Spectacled Warbler. 2 Berthelot's Pipits and 2 Great Grey Shrikes were also present and 3 House Martins fed nearby throughout.<p></p><p>That was it though, and the walk back taking a different route was another devoid of birdlife. The afternoon in the town did have a few extras in store though. A single White Wagtail was an addition and a pair of Kestrels along the shore very nice to see. This must be the eastern <i>dacotiae</i> subspecies. The Sandwich Terns of a couple of days ago seem to have moved on from the harbour but I did pick up the immature Spoonbill again (or maybe a different bird). This was sporting a white ring on the left tibia with 'NAJA' in black lettering. A regular metal ring was on the right leg. I reported it on <a href="https://cr-birding.org/" target="_blank">European colour-ring Birding</a> and it seems it was first ringed in Holland on 5/6/2019 and last reported there on 9/9/2019. There were then two sightings in France before it was first reported in Fuerteventura on 12/09/2020. Seen again here in April and November 2021.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinbtlvCZI0y8KIQq3UwHaE2yvtguT80h__zZmBMjuXldV_Yhuf3uz7uvOfZDjm5AGpZjZPXS3dmQRwXZYpBqiXCIC64lBKgzjjqsv4Gxoh8V4u6aOhvLBbERhwDtWJcIEjBaFNP44qKV6QW1Wm9viAU6pZer0HvPBcyVQNIbX1ciMS_DpkTQ=s1440" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1097" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinbtlvCZI0y8KIQq3UwHaE2yvtguT80h__zZmBMjuXldV_Yhuf3uz7uvOfZDjm5AGpZjZPXS3dmQRwXZYpBqiXCIC64lBKgzjjqsv4Gxoh8V4u6aOhvLBbERhwDtWJcIEjBaFNP44qKV6QW1Wm9viAU6pZer0HvPBcyVQNIbX1ciMS_DpkTQ=w305-h400" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoonbill <i>Platalea leucorodia</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Back at the apartments a Great Grey Shrike had taken to calling from the rooftop aerials. All in all a pretty good day and now on 34 species.<p></p><p><b><i>Tuesday, 11 Jan 2022 "Fancy a chat?"</i></b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw9Dv4ji1H7JAT57rW6tbOpUXdSjEsTQlyOgb-4kzW_Vc2DGGq9J4X2cjNqChWDhRO9tQW38bGFdk2sKlHmBiFdkNL4lELYrWYIE-t2BE2-1pYUop_VUXLf9rUtODTMVVIPZq42hjEvIZnsbW5X0Fv9CtfahywFM9ku_a0VnFC_w3LpiSyTw=s2160" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="2160" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw9Dv4ji1H7JAT57rW6tbOpUXdSjEsTQlyOgb-4kzW_Vc2DGGq9J4X2cjNqChWDhRO9tQW38bGFdk2sKlHmBiFdkNL4lELYrWYIE-t2BE2-1pYUop_VUXLf9rUtODTMVVIPZq42hjEvIZnsbW5X0Fv9CtfahywFM9ku_a0VnFC_w3LpiSyTw=w400-h235" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Cattle Egrets <i>Bubulcus ibis ibis</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Sun. No cloud and light winds. Feeling very warm. Up to 3 Barn Swallows kicking around the southern end of town first thing. For me it was a return for a proper look at the caldera of the Volcano Bayuyo, or Montaña San Rafael if you prefer. I went via the abandoned Acua Water Park where half a dozen Western Cattle Egrets were hanging out along with a good many Collared Doves and Spanish Sparrows, 1 Common Chiffchaff and a Great Grey Shrike.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7uEamMPOW8e1MMU_zqEfKwJcqawzpvhFZXhIr7rccF2pecTqImD7F1q19XbPTMvei3pCsYIYY7id7Ejjyli2Gh0-EfFsw6R2Z0Wp555Ut3SXcIeqIE99NTUBOfos_t7X0nj5Pz8nG8PNO4QT_JtzzaUcU1HCWXqfwrbcQtX0Y9AHCUCEmwg=s2160" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="2160" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7uEamMPOW8e1MMU_zqEfKwJcqawzpvhFZXhIr7rccF2pecTqImD7F1q19XbPTMvei3pCsYIYY7id7Ejjyli2Gh0-EfFsw6R2Z0Wp555Ut3SXcIeqIE99NTUBOfos_t7X0nj5Pz8nG8PNO4QT_JtzzaUcU1HCWXqfwrbcQtX0Y9AHCUCEmwg=w400-h264" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectacled Warbler <i>Sylvia conspicillata orbitalis</i> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>From here I headed through the new Tres Islas development. A pair of Great Grey Shrikes were interacting on the wires and a pair of Spectacled Warblers showed nicely. Then I struck gold with a very showy male <b>Fuerteventura Stonechat</b> perched on an outbuilding of the only completed development here. The noisy dogs here were a momentary annoyance but soon shut up and I was able to enjoy lifer number 4.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2JcE6wgoIuOnTgwGv4RUKvM8UyK99rjU-cL-yhB6CgMuj0ZZk1stYCl5BtKyb9S3yRp2NfQ1rNk9Vh5mfwwaQpmd3VjrtAG9NJAmFLssmzJ4Vp1teOwlADXazBplm-edLSkQWA2oKNYB3fPkeCrdPMMAeHrdoJglap3J-J25-FfnInte_0w=s1440" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1115" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2JcE6wgoIuOnTgwGv4RUKvM8UyK99rjU-cL-yhB6CgMuj0ZZk1stYCl5BtKyb9S3yRp2NfQ1rNk9Vh5mfwwaQpmd3VjrtAG9NJAmFLssmzJ4Vp1teOwlADXazBplm-edLSkQWA2oKNYB3fPkeCrdPMMAeHrdoJglap3J-J25-FfnInte_0w=w310-h400" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuerteventura Stonechat <i>Saxicola dacotiae</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPxXCdZn_zLvXH5pt0ZoldzBaSDab9zsnUZy5HHXdeLisdsB0wwE6rt_9y6eVYBlUd93DlK5IiYpO4wu5wBhIdAIfAqG6rnzRSb6X1eXT0KDti1XVKxFzt1rUaUF6fOKetZxkqyX7bf49BmxEn9oPlN8hJi8SNdPnkzG8gc5s3vn5RLlFG2g=s2160" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="2160" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPxXCdZn_zLvXH5pt0ZoldzBaSDab9zsnUZy5HHXdeLisdsB0wwE6rt_9y6eVYBlUd93DlK5IiYpO4wu5wBhIdAIfAqG6rnzRSb6X1eXT0KDti1XVKxFzt1rUaUF6fOKetZxkqyX7bf49BmxEn9oPlN8hJi8SNdPnkzG8gc5s3vn5RLlFG2g=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbary Ground Squirrel <i>Atlantoxerus getulus</i></td></tr></tbody></table>So on to the volcano along the clear dirt road leading off from here. A large information sign explained a bit about the geology and farming attempts in this extreme environment and also mentioned the wildlife. Common Buzzard, yep. Common Kestrel, OK. But also very specifically Fuerteventura Chat (local name "Caldereta") and Trumpeter Finch. Of course soon after 3 small finches flew over. They didn't call but they could have been Trumpeters; or was that just the power of suggestion? Anyway a party of five cracking Barbary Ground Squirrels soon had me distracted. Haven't seen these since years ago in Morocco and love 'em to bits.<p></p><p>At the base of the northern ridge the track turns right and a path headed off left, SE into the caldera. I followed this and dropped into the base for a look around. 2 Ravens were flying around calling throughout but I kept hearing faint passerine calls from somewhere, really difficult to pin down in this bowl of rock. Then I picked them up. On the eastern rim of the crater a flock of around 10 Trumpeter Finches with 4 or 5 Linnets. I scurried back up to the path that runs along there and was rewarded with stunning views. Another species I'd not seen for years and a much anticipated target.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_4INhzuvbbxu4I6X3R9yVZ2TgTTmS2JdN-X_tdbs1hxfJSm7KYad2PdwxEVayWNBnA2yH0wsCj3VKGZTynC9P1iPd_HIOnNgdvhkOAH9xVV5CBf94pnKIcIEo-btVTcOBtWn3pFNNwMfx4qx5IggGZeyq5s777XTXo4QLaHSY03XCWgRhmQ=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1027" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_4INhzuvbbxu4I6X3R9yVZ2TgTTmS2JdN-X_tdbs1hxfJSm7KYad2PdwxEVayWNBnA2yH0wsCj3VKGZTynC9P1iPd_HIOnNgdvhkOAH9xVV5CBf94pnKIcIEo-btVTcOBtWn3pFNNwMfx4qx5IggGZeyq5s777XTXo4QLaHSY03XCWgRhmQ=w285-h400" width="285" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKvdcznklaW3sauHnz9VmvITEyEu4eRwriH0jnR26blmG4MWC6J1QaS0Xoh7e896JncYSJ6NjIROWYF33GRdfiiVUD0TvqArBB14w7Zv0NEuvDnMZiU0ozLVkZ1mNdQlFIWOwiEn0r7JQ8zjWnewJ9IlqW7gRV0GMwbcjj6qjTZRDGRLT8tA=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="2160" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKvdcznklaW3sauHnz9VmvITEyEu4eRwriH0jnR26blmG4MWC6J1QaS0Xoh7e896JncYSJ6NjIROWYF33GRdfiiVUD0TvqArBB14w7Zv0NEuvDnMZiU0ozLVkZ1mNdQlFIWOwiEn0r7JQ8zjWnewJ9IlqW7gRV0GMwbcjj6qjTZRDGRLT8tA=w400-h264" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trumpeter Finch <i>Bucanetes githagineus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgR07R9Ll7S_-vAmukmM2kEP2nRk0n3LorQ7vWaCP2peBM2MJ78yE5z9rN2JAvpBmqsNFIAqcE8slDl-Z8j0tdvW1rxVMfovbAarMZo55j8gR0SazH8ffZkv09EMck-YPMQa7JjQ5h9CCvOOHWpPBiJoRUyU85QAST-KZ1jPzG4Ufxh3kTmTA=s2160" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="2160" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgR07R9Ll7S_-vAmukmM2kEP2nRk0n3LorQ7vWaCP2peBM2MJ78yE5z9rN2JAvpBmqsNFIAqcE8slDl-Z8j0tdvW1rxVMfovbAarMZo55j8gR0SazH8ffZkv09EMck-YPMQa7JjQ5h9CCvOOHWpPBiJoRUyU85QAST-KZ1jPzG4Ufxh3kTmTA=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Lizard <i style="text-align: left;">Gallotia atlantica</i> </td></tr></tbody></table>But the volcano wasn't finished with me yet. I took the well worn path leading out due east from the southern end of this low eastern ridge and, after crossing a service track leading to a large square building higher up, found myself watching another pair of Fuerteventura Chats. Don't be tempted to take the clear path that heads east at the northern end of this ridge (from near the top of the path going into the crater), as that seems to lead directly to the quarry and a difficult or impossible exit. Coming from town the start of the path I took is extremely hard to pick out and it's no surprise I couldn't find it the other day. To locate it take the road at the southern end of Tres Islas west towards the quarry workings. Just before you reach the works there is a track to the left with a chain between two concrete blocks across it. Take this about 150m to a red and yellow no entry type sign and head right where the path should soon become clear and edged with stones. I also had my first lizard here, a small species which rapidly hid, which would be Atlantic Lizard <i>Gallotia atlantica</i>, the only small lacertid on the island.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHAnThQ8HQo2CZLr1p0Fn7-xe2Rxa0DwzxLlXSjFbRSrtdlpSfTpTHhL461-FfCa6garUrdHY6ypnWUcVn6PyTyiavftSHOnzgWQLtaCnT8lc3qijD_ecB6K_essruxgxIwaEMKaaZHm2U6dzUoOcgFrV0Ydk-61h0kPGba7bPmQqzGkJ_7w=s2160" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="2160" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHAnThQ8HQo2CZLr1p0Fn7-xe2Rxa0DwzxLlXSjFbRSrtdlpSfTpTHhL461-FfCa6garUrdHY6ypnWUcVn6PyTyiavftSHOnzgWQLtaCnT8lc3qijD_ecB6K_essruxgxIwaEMKaaZHm2U6dzUoOcgFrV0Ydk-61h0kPGba7bPmQqzGkJ_7w=w400-h249" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted Lady <i>Vanessa cardui</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Another stroll along the beach in the afternoon revealed a couple of additions to the trip list. 3 Bar-tailed Godwits and a Grey Heron were new and there were now 3 Spoonbills roosting out on rocks at low tide. A couple more Painted Ladies were about and 5 more Swallows heading north finished the day's birding.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><i><b></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJlzAYJ5kuKIatwzNe_hBu1ZzPWD6QjMMPVIst763rcE4UlELKgKayNLcGwoFZApg7mjz4fHhIKswAojs8IpXUbR2f_Hm1j-ImJfFrBbUB6lK6klRsINTgdapYcXAFh354m6-YNnMbzoXRlU20kCKpf4ooozwRNGk6_BcV48DOlTgPeF7Gnw=s1827" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1827" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJlzAYJ5kuKIatwzNe_hBu1ZzPWD6QjMMPVIst763rcE4UlELKgKayNLcGwoFZApg7mjz4fHhIKswAojs8IpXUbR2f_Hm1j-ImJfFrBbUB6lK6klRsINTgdapYcXAFh354m6-YNnMbzoXRlU20kCKpf4ooozwRNGk6_BcV48DOlTgPeF7Gnw=s320" width="148" /></a><i><b></b></i></div><i><b>Thursday, 13 Jan 2022 "the measure of success"</b></i><p></p><p>I really wanted to see Cream-coloured Courser again, which I've not seen for many years now, so headed off deep into the Natural Park again. The now familiar 30-40 minutes of bird free semi-desert made me realise my first day encounters with Barbary Partridge and Med Short-toed Lark were very fortunate indeed. I pushed further south than I'd been before well into the very sandy habitat west of the isolated development of hotels here and beyond. I soon started to notice a different set of tracks in the sand and they became very common. Similar to the partridge tracks further north and often with a distinctive drag mark between them. Surely this was the target species. Also found bustard tracks and some smaller mammals than the ubiquitous rabbits. In fact these were absolutely tiny and surely must have been made by the endemic Canarian Shrew.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAJX0hrrua9jnE_eeg4iDt_g0uDk0ONfZ0aN5wpKN9Gi95xmXUwcakJlbo2Rm05Y1KOQyYLhCRejUck_QYu5P8GKWZho4HwDWPETI078V09LrmtcBr0UUyEobqlSl_Ji3YezLb4yoMVLIigNVrYCK1Evgsbhq8gwvdflh7wDSrr3eQyiDl8g=s1366" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1366" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAJX0hrrua9jnE_eeg4iDt_g0uDk0ONfZ0aN5wpKN9Gi95xmXUwcakJlbo2Rm05Y1KOQyYLhCRejUck_QYu5P8GKWZho4HwDWPETI078V09LrmtcBr0UUyEobqlSl_Ji3YezLb4yoMVLIigNVrYCK1Evgsbhq8gwvdflh7wDSrr3eQyiDl8g=w400-h264" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mediterranean Short-toed Lark <i>Calandrella rufescens polatzeki</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Anyway to cut a very long story short I completely failed to see courser, bustard or sandgrouse in the 3+ hours I was out. However I did see plenty else eventually and had I not already ticked the chat and had such great views of the Trumpeters yesterday this would have been a sensational morning. So, yes, I would say a success. The best location, at a small rocky gully and plateau on the western edge of the sandy habitat, held a good 30 Trumpeter Finches plus maybe 10 Mediterranean Short-toed Larks and a Fuerteventura Stonechat. There was also Barbary Ground Squirrel here and nearby first two then third (this one singing) Hoopoe. Just before I'd been watching an adult and an immature Egyptian Vulture and a few Great Grey Shrikes. All in all pretty good.<p></p><p>Otherwise later in the town there were a few Monarch butterflies about, none settling unfortunately, and this very large potter wasp, which looks likely to be <i>Delta dimidiatipenne</i>.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg1E2SHDtv6xClpaig11uYKN-uqdAVZr3WpEKuGXl1VSzzQYH3GIwDF90czICSjX0TIzqBOuYrC20yqPEFMfprrjPXjir9iHlr8ThrqpgLK5A_DtDfZu1lb519WPNZZ-SmB5S04HLt_y4m4UvBVREuRGZcBIxTky9rJDNCmElXfHQLrWtyZg=s2160" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="2160" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg1E2SHDtv6xClpaig11uYKN-uqdAVZr3WpEKuGXl1VSzzQYH3GIwDF90czICSjX0TIzqBOuYrC20yqPEFMfprrjPXjir9iHlr8ThrqpgLK5A_DtDfZu1lb519WPNZZ-SmB5S04HLt_y4m4UvBVREuRGZcBIxTky9rJDNCmElXfHQLrWtyZg=w400-h246" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">Delta dimidiatipenne </i><span style="text-align: left;">a Potter Wasp</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Finished the week on 38 species and walked about 100km according to my phone's step counter. All four likely Fuerteventuran lifers now in the bag but some species I'd still like to catch up with again over the next three weeks, some needed for the 'nomadic list' which now stands at 659. Additions there would be Cream-coloured Courser and Black-bellied Sandgrouse and exploring further afield might add Ruddy Shelduck. Atlantic Canary (a potential lifer) and African Blue Tit will be much easier on Tenerife but are also possible.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Bold = lifer</b><i> Italic = nomadic tick</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Barbary Partridge</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Rock Dove<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Collared Dove<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Houbara Bustard</b><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Plain Swift</b><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey Plover<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Kentish Plover<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Ringed Plover<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Whimbrel<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Bar-tailed Godwit<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Ruddy Turnstone<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Sanderling<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Dunlin<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Sandpiper<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-legged Gull<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Sandwich Tern<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey Heron<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Egret</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Cattle Egret<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Spoonbill<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Egyptian Vulture</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Buzzard<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Hoopoe<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Kestrel<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Peregrine Falcon<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Great Grey Shrike</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Raven<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Mediterranean Short-toed Lark</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Barn Swallow<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common House Martin<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Chiffchaff<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Spectacled Warbler</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Fuerteventura Stonechat</b><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Spanish Sparrow</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">White Wagtail<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Berthelot's Pipit</b><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Trumpeter Finch</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Linnet</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Also:<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">European Rabbit<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Barbary Ground Squirrel<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Small White<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Monarch<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Painted Lady<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Potter Wasp <i>Delta dimidiatipenne<br /></i></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>Atlantic Lizard</b></span></div><div><br /></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-80998252288379896572021-11-10T17:01:00.002+00:002021-11-10T17:01:25.064+00:00Shades Of Grey<p>As far as I'm concerned gulls are the last resort for the inland birder in Britain but with autumn migration slowing they can be a source of variety during the grey days.</p><p>I've made a couple of visits to Banbury Country Park this week and the gulls feeding in the cattle fields by the A361 were coming to bathe in the pond at Roman Meadow in fairly large numbers the bulk being Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls.</p><p><b>First winter Caspian gull</b></p><p>On Monday the first bird to catch my eye was a strikingly pale first winter type. A virtually unmarked white head with dark, beady eye set alarm bells ringing. Plain dark, un-notched tertials are another excellent marker as are the neat boa of brown streaks on the nape and neck side. Although Yellow-legged Gulls can look like this there is normally more smudging around the eye and the bill much thicker and strongly angled at the gonys. On this the bill looks long, relatively narrow and rather parallel sided - a classic Caspian feature.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOBxwoCKHNCDF5nX5U9X6ws4sSR2DCUTHv4zuwG1Nu8CumCAvEg9R6AgW_5nTgL9UZJdgkT4z3lf0QIo0v046PbWLLU1kkyQg5USAQmf7lT-0yhR7K1OAnEbQu1rARBKinkdG/s1200/caspian_gull_8nov21_1200l_1143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1200" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOBxwoCKHNCDF5nX5U9X6ws4sSR2DCUTHv4zuwG1Nu8CumCAvEg9R6AgW_5nTgL9UZJdgkT4z3lf0QIo0v046PbWLLU1kkyQg5USAQmf7lT-0yhR7K1OAnEbQu1rARBKinkdG/w400-h259/caspian_gull_8nov21_1200l_1143.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIAIYCY1j-nArgV1as86hl3a6ZptswmB9kmBdIyYGJNUtjdR_Ghh1rtXzl5ONozRs6Mx-JHDLFyCsa0Kht65G-Z-61EOJgktLCKClfdYHKwbCnb9uDJBVKeCiUJ9vHmpDB9UG/s1200/caspian_gull_8nov21_1200l_1140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1200" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIAIYCY1j-nArgV1as86hl3a6ZptswmB9kmBdIyYGJNUtjdR_Ghh1rtXzl5ONozRs6Mx-JHDLFyCsa0Kht65G-Z-61EOJgktLCKClfdYHKwbCnb9uDJBVKeCiUJ9vHmpDB9UG/w400-h275/caspian_gull_8nov21_1200l_1140.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caspian Gull 1st winter <i>Larus cachinnans</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Seen here with a Herring Gull of the same age the differences are striking. More grey scapulars and the odd covert show a more advanced stage of moult (birds tend to hatch earlier than most Herring Gulls).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBS0_zqMblsXLIBAOozRv3dCp18fjPlDRx8aa4_CfXGBvy-62fgcSkTscfif0agRDjrAHuNK8uon8Tn7rop0IYhyphenhyphenQUj5_Z_L_xD7BOWeqpCQDnGJexX91YeQBkmFu3JzMu_lK/s1366/caspian_herring_gull_8nov21_1366w_1151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1366" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBS0_zqMblsXLIBAOozRv3dCp18fjPlDRx8aa4_CfXGBvy-62fgcSkTscfif0agRDjrAHuNK8uon8Tn7rop0IYhyphenhyphenQUj5_Z_L_xD7BOWeqpCQDnGJexX91YeQBkmFu3JzMu_lK/w400-h256/caspian_herring_gull_8nov21_1366w_1151.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herring and Caspian Gull 1st winter <i>Larus argentatus argenteus</i> and <i>cachinnans</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Second winter Yellow-legged Gull</b></p><p>Often with it or nearby was this bird. The combination of all dark bill and many grey, adult type scapulars and coverts got me interested. As I suspected, on checking I found that Herring Gulls with this amount of grey feathering have extensive pale on the bill (and aren't usually this advanced by their second November). Other factors pointing to Yellow-legged Gull are the very white head with dark smudging around the eye, solid dark tertials and heavy thick bill.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMAdDoKrwhsSdw07_Y7rkixl66yqazFlzYKWKuS1YNqAyixA6igCdxn14XJeBbWEHtnR8zc1crfncBirZTASKAuQZ3TFaqX8EAo8BPz3Hn4NUs93plWTJaezAoYYh-8jan-lO/s2020/yellow-legged_gull_8nov21_1to1_1144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2020" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMAdDoKrwhsSdw07_Y7rkixl66yqazFlzYKWKuS1YNqAyixA6igCdxn14XJeBbWEHtnR8zc1crfncBirZTASKAuQZ3TFaqX8EAo8BPz3Hn4NUs93plWTJaezAoYYh-8jan-lO/w400-h270/yellow-legged_gull_8nov21_1to1_1144.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-legged Gull 2nd winter <i>Larus michahellis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>3rd or 4th winter Yellow-legged Gull</b></p><p>Today there were even more Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the pond, mainly adults, with only a handful of Herring Gulls. This near adult bird was clearly darker than the Herrings with a shade mid way between that and the Lesser Black-backs.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWPVmrXa40IR_dzyj_LMW7gD8Yq436Tkqjpua8QYVZcWO2hFjrxmLRSHp5pQhpjSQHEkI3j3TtPSe937eU3FfSQL1eERtftdsiYRpRQ11cjmy0Sj5jzyO8WhhYWcEKIaSyfCM/s2048/yellow-legged_gull_10nov21_2160l_1168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWPVmrXa40IR_dzyj_LMW7gD8Yq436Tkqjpua8QYVZcWO2hFjrxmLRSHp5pQhpjSQHEkI3j3TtPSe937eU3FfSQL1eERtftdsiYRpRQ11cjmy0Sj5jzyO8WhhYWcEKIaSyfCM/w400-h286/yellow-legged_gull_10nov21_2160l_1168.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-legged Gull (near adult) <i>Larus michahellis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>This shot shows the reddish orbital ring and deep yellow iris. The clean white head again makes it stand out from virtually every other gull present. The black mark on the bill extending to the upper mandible show it's not yet fully adult and likely in it's 3rd winter but perhaps some 4th years can show this?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEZVtOmGD8OF_L9KqZG8ovTgM6CB1xZODMg_0a6xRUo7_2NuBhYSQVCPpwXbiYe4AI4zPkT2zVZ10uUHSAxmiiOjG6aFHsOe-2FRpw6A3cdwd0iYue2oMmCS0-zgMjByCHy2O/s2048/yellow-legged_gull_10nov21_2160l_1173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="2048" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEZVtOmGD8OF_L9KqZG8ovTgM6CB1xZODMg_0a6xRUo7_2NuBhYSQVCPpwXbiYe4AI4zPkT2zVZ10uUHSAxmiiOjG6aFHsOe-2FRpw6A3cdwd0iYue2oMmCS0-zgMjByCHy2O/w400-h248/yellow-legged_gull_10nov21_2160l_1173.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-legged Gull (near adult) <i>Larus michahellis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Finally another adult Yellow-legged appeared near the first bird. The same mantle shade but with only red on the bill.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAU11Y__YSk8yN2ufvuCyIy45o0Dt6T_r4o8uRtdVkSs4d0UZGoVNzx1D0Wrhli0H8w3wAJxqm0RFTkkDGh6o_UK14QLabQLjpjGB7RqfTXByAeNHwuJIC9PHOOFAfnNuiofy/s2048/yellow-legged_gull_10nov21_2160l_1180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="2048" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAU11Y__YSk8yN2ufvuCyIy45o0Dt6T_r4o8uRtdVkSs4d0UZGoVNzx1D0Wrhli0H8w3wAJxqm0RFTkkDGh6o_UK14QLabQLjpjGB7RqfTXByAeNHwuJIC9PHOOFAfnNuiofy/w400-h248/yellow-legged_gull_10nov21_2160l_1180.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-legged Gull (adult) <i>Larus michahellis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This proved trickier to photograph as it was washing much of the time. The spread wing shot shows a thick black line on P5.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtNENJbLRtEdWK1-twMnTXk9c9PvudvZWSVqUr5_cynA4ZtywW9aSKfDx1Rwgcv4qlCSReoR2TvHBytBRBeA5xhJvZR7lXOKblL9BqbbHzY0nmOlD1ljbdcy80gRnouptwrBL/s1671/yellow-legged_gull_10nov21_1440s_1186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1671" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtNENJbLRtEdWK1-twMnTXk9c9PvudvZWSVqUr5_cynA4ZtywW9aSKfDx1Rwgcv4qlCSReoR2TvHBytBRBeA5xhJvZR7lXOKblL9BqbbHzY0nmOlD1ljbdcy80gRnouptwrBL/w400-h345/yellow-legged_gull_10nov21_1440s_1186.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-legged Gull (adult) <i>Larus michahellis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>So four scarcer gulls found in two days of checking this bathing spot. The presence of good numbers of migrant Lesser Black-backed Gulls is clearly a factor and I'll be checking it from time to time in the coming weeks.</p><p>But it's not all grey. Abundant Long-tailed Tits, a few Redwings and a small party of Bullfinches brightened things up as did this cracking Kingfisher. Shame about the carelessly discarded lure.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ikIQjhDO9VVRF9JQ7celSCeh0LSnqeRtMlAgliOoDOnNVR2mCiIcGwyJP0A_crty9T2nbE-9pz_oyMn1El6k5rWlsmCF6Xl78RugUjWqtVV0kpkpiJynZzSG-O0HPFJO7Khg/s1366/8nov21_1366w_1156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1366" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ikIQjhDO9VVRF9JQ7celSCeh0LSnqeRtMlAgliOoDOnNVR2mCiIcGwyJP0A_crty9T2nbE-9pz_oyMn1El6k5rWlsmCF6Xl78RugUjWqtVV0kpkpiJynZzSG-O0HPFJO7Khg/w400-h256/8nov21_1366w_1156.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlstnSD2m-pdDjn1oJpZO7N6WJ-Zwfwwew7ydlV54xqIZuB2f5CbO3GaMu41BPeep499f7SvlxkyYQwsjSSjpWh3Yq8SBgbjx8uv4JZ4nBeBKEvcybTcyIYnLCCTbN_60hb3j/s1366/kingfisher_lure_8nov21_1366w_1154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1366" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlstnSD2m-pdDjn1oJpZO7N6WJ-Zwfwwew7ydlV54xqIZuB2f5CbO3GaMu41BPeep499f7SvlxkyYQwsjSSjpWh3Yq8SBgbjx8uv4JZ4nBeBKEvcybTcyIYnLCCTbN_60hb3j/w400-h260/kingfisher_lure_8nov21_1366w_1154.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Kingfisher <i>Alcedo atthis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-42598480840544811202020-10-08T21:52:00.000+01:002020-10-08T21:52:10.319+01:00Red-eyed Vireo, Kenidjack Valley, Cornwall<p>A short clip of Red-eyed Vireo. A first for me anywhere on planet earth. I was incredibly lucky to be in the right place at the right time. A bird I've waited 30 years to see in West Cornwall after spending nearly every autumn here.</p><p>Weirdly, as I walked into the valley I had this species on my mind, little knowing I was about to find out one was just a 20 minute walk away near the bottom of the valley. Then after searching for some time, I managed to be standing a few meters away from the person who relocated it. Many spent all day there without seeing it as it spent most of its time in the cover of a large garden.</p><p>There are about 150 records of Red-eyed Vireo (about 2 a year) in Britain, almost all in the western extremities of these islands - unsurprising for a species which breeds across North American and winters in South America.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='568' height='473' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz3RXtYDs7rqGCLnMgI9RibdSXgS58yBJuCnGS9BGHf11fFSoGuQGcHdo9l0TrGdFoq7YbJ0nW3ih0' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-8253560520983827012020-10-07T20:49:00.005+01:002021-01-08T11:29:16.759+00:00Firecrest, Cot Valley, Cornwall<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Been in West Penwith for nearly two weeks now and after some very good seawatches early on the persistent heavy NW winds have kept the birding fairly mundane (while the east coast and Scotland in particular have been having a bumper autumn). I've been checking out the Cot Valley most days and turned up a fair few Firecrests (and the odd Yellow-browed Warbler). Today there were perhaps as many as five with some clearly arriving during the morning along with a few Chiffchaffs as Siskins and Meadow Pipits passed over. This was a particularly showy individual right at the top of the valley.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='479' height='398' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwzlfGNZYgVYDTVt_cVTLlVtc-mz7nDWLlBg2Ma7TeA2_G58BTv4GbzQi0nAUtqXY5gzcTQWx8YP7E' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-71998634193570437992020-07-01T19:30:00.000+01:002020-07-02T08:09:53.896+01:00Otmoor RSPB ReserveAfter three months without transport in the UK (a lot of it in isolation) it was absolutely wonderful to spend a day in good habitat at this excellent reserve near Oxford. Unfortunately due to continuing restrictions the narrow path to the main wetlands (with the promise of Bittern among other birds) was closed but the surrounding wet fields and habitats were rich enough with wildlife and the weather warmed up greatly in the afternoon leading to a good array of insect life on show.<br />
<br />
Birding was good, despite the target species of Cuckoo and Turtle Dove not performing. Curlew, Cetti's Warbler, Marsh Harrier and Hobby were among the best.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzN46opGIqkKjVsjMyqxyg52MOtyGBq3N-32NTEl3mBbTOHeJD_WFyfDDVeBMOeIOzfJ3cfI2UtplubTUwyvObLeORifvrVGrVrZyyO2AXXlJyzTqP9pX1iLLcW_QNSOnwgQ1v/s1600/redshank_little_egret_1jul20_1366ww_7652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1366" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzN46opGIqkKjVsjMyqxyg52MOtyGBq3N-32NTEl3mBbTOHeJD_WFyfDDVeBMOeIOzfJ3cfI2UtplubTUwyvObLeORifvrVGrVrZyyO2AXXlJyzTqP9pX1iLLcW_QNSOnwgQ1v/s320/redshank_little_egret_1jul20_1366ww_7652.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redshank <i>Tringa totanus</i> and Little Egret <i>Egretta garzetta</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dragonflies were particularly good and with less wind I'm sure more species would be possible. The Grass Snake was basking on top of bankside vegetation after a shower.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqCkfCYCMBzaxCVE70Q-PnW_K5wm-xcmecwdBQAhmPi4XvmvlH2yW0KIX1E7IlcHUEzxZ7_bNDs0QtbuZVZC59LVflaNfbYh9ljcEGKK5Lrxa8Y9myweTNL7Wqf64M__QZqh9/s1600/broad-bodied_chaser_1jul20_1200w_7645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqCkfCYCMBzaxCVE70Q-PnW_K5wm-xcmecwdBQAhmPi4XvmvlH2yW0KIX1E7IlcHUEzxZ7_bNDs0QtbuZVZC59LVflaNfbYh9ljcEGKK5Lrxa8Y9myweTNL7Wqf64M__QZqh9/s320/broad-bodied_chaser_1jul20_1200w_7645.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broad-bodied Chaser <i>Libellula depressa</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrJqjuaD1kCIqjlraIb9zdI_WRgEU1OYt4Au1RcOFsADVUepSCL9P1QEn8tpA3Lrag2FOs4BsgP2_Qoa82B2srdCLkNtwmzcJOCXO2sSj_ITYkKasJT0-M6siMYbQe3m8Ldwi/s1600/ruddy_darter_1jul20_1200w_7658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1200" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrJqjuaD1kCIqjlraIb9zdI_WRgEU1OYt4Au1RcOFsADVUepSCL9P1QEn8tpA3Lrag2FOs4BsgP2_Qoa82B2srdCLkNtwmzcJOCXO2sSj_ITYkKasJT0-M6siMYbQe3m8Ldwi/s320/ruddy_darter_1jul20_1200w_7658.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruddy Darter <i>Sympetrum sanguineum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-xmQ9AT_SkyI0WkGULlNSP9uw4yUihohE_6jrjSfjlnSrqVDPzoPHUZCn3B0WJJrFPCIB7BorLi-0TaAG90GAXm9HMCtNe-lj7wlGAojuyOB2JWDfEFz_XeTWXCuy443Hxra/s1600/southern_hawker_1jul20_800s_7669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="804" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-xmQ9AT_SkyI0WkGULlNSP9uw4yUihohE_6jrjSfjlnSrqVDPzoPHUZCn3B0WJJrFPCIB7BorLi-0TaAG90GAXm9HMCtNe-lj7wlGAojuyOB2JWDfEFz_XeTWXCuy443Hxra/s320/southern_hawker_1jul20_800s_7669.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Hawker <i>Aeshna cyanea</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChyb90VndcXH7gxY0dsOO2DbmaZWxgeuOJ2q9s8tTeXFgk7HbAEvtdsXJ-6MmO7XX7-rcM6Vz6o5EdmZyE3UKEMGBFMjvGBxp1CB1mhhATNC-o441Bt0NS18856XFdpdRweU9/s1600/azure_damsel_1jul20_1024l_7664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1024" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChyb90VndcXH7gxY0dsOO2DbmaZWxgeuOJ2q9s8tTeXFgk7HbAEvtdsXJ-6MmO7XX7-rcM6Vz6o5EdmZyE3UKEMGBFMjvGBxp1CB1mhhATNC-o441Bt0NS18856XFdpdRweU9/s320/azure_damsel_1jul20_1024l_7664.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Azure Damselfly <i>Coenagrion puella</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzjfWyD5_WJgbpSLiCzU7WPClZMUp0rRhKE28ihFOsQeC7XE6a7Kxl-9EBeOfkhOHH4JYI0_GA4M77fpjKuS-2sTrz1kiaB4kaVj_Lbxj12r-xxtJYR3vGCT6ZbkRTNsdA3GV/s1600/grass_snake_1jul20_1200ww_7650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1200" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzjfWyD5_WJgbpSLiCzU7WPClZMUp0rRhKE28ihFOsQeC7XE6a7Kxl-9EBeOfkhOHH4JYI0_GA4M77fpjKuS-2sTrz1kiaB4kaVj_Lbxj12r-xxtJYR3vGCT6ZbkRTNsdA3GV/s320/grass_snake_1jul20_1200ww_7650.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grass Snake <i>Natrix natrix</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqsNVOza25HKLcHIaVhicaZsS-tewyDhyphenhyphenw1nJJ3H96S_KviSQyqNPpkvah39_FrPY3L1I_Dg9yM8N-MEuvqzHXYPWXifZRHfNu1P0jQ_8UKRCPAgQvrwgmr3HsrLXXzIoX83H/s1600/parhelophilus_1jul20_800s_7674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="813" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqsNVOza25HKLcHIaVhicaZsS-tewyDhyphenhyphenw1nJJ3H96S_KviSQyqNPpkvah39_FrPY3L1I_Dg9yM8N-MEuvqzHXYPWXifZRHfNu1P0jQ_8UKRCPAgQvrwgmr3HsrLXXzIoX83H/s320/parhelophilus_1jul20_800s_7674.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Parhelophilus</i> Hoverfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUpW5bTF4H3Rq9mQQDQ03v4NUkKNTu0bcfpTFRU5s0UY1lqbbawUxAuPO_m0-sJUxs0RxtDx3vEExSKIzYqMB9Xn7AoMfu93N9Ardm-ahKM0vaBn5Vp7yQst1kYyXHeunqGWF/s1600/red_admiral_1jul20_768s_7678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="780" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUpW5bTF4H3Rq9mQQDQ03v4NUkKNTu0bcfpTFRU5s0UY1lqbbawUxAuPO_m0-sJUxs0RxtDx3vEExSKIzYqMB9Xn7AoMfu93N9Ardm-ahKM0vaBn5Vp7yQst1kYyXHeunqGWF/s320/red_admiral_1jul20_768s_7678.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Admiral <i>Vanessa atalanta</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0ZGQHjDqXJwo7toJYlfrmpJTYtKYxvfZ4HOamLvnFdVadoxZ18msodub7gvs5AltggXTrGmM53rh52_7ThRPHw4DnRuIgNpKsn5Yx16P24-vkZV7mVJKO_B6in2xnJP6Y90A/s1600/ringlet_1jul20_800s_7682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="828" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0ZGQHjDqXJwo7toJYlfrmpJTYtKYxvfZ4HOamLvnFdVadoxZ18msodub7gvs5AltggXTrGmM53rh52_7ThRPHw4DnRuIgNpKsn5Yx16P24-vkZV7mVJKO_B6in2xnJP6Y90A/s320/ringlet_1jul20_800s_7682.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ringlet <i>Aphantopus hyperantus</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx5q9LFp0retd9yp0tVhFbojwjlNjhM0gJyaLdVd7Dsv2RtkBOYdvBMR8TaoUiPueuw_u5A_Wxozr1mhtaQ4piV_LINyaXzxzdcuIXF8rA_oDta1wAZTtvTb8g32HiSeTXQA3/s1600/yellow_shell_1jul20_1200w_7686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1200" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx5q9LFp0retd9yp0tVhFbojwjlNjhM0gJyaLdVd7Dsv2RtkBOYdvBMR8TaoUiPueuw_u5A_Wxozr1mhtaQ4piV_LINyaXzxzdcuIXF8rA_oDta1wAZTtvTb8g32HiSeTXQA3/s320/yellow_shell_1jul20_1200w_7686.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Shell <i>Camptogramma bilineata</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSbxpVvs5o_oeuNbW037cBwXNDhWfv3G3x1YOfqbAT6axE-jFip63RuMShKzMapO2oabZc1LsHQFzmes53WXA7BvZ4XGIhvTcrdeTEgIOKf7XdEmcg3nw7PjyDNyg-vq1RUXD/s1600/tree_wasp_1jul20_1200w_7659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1200" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSbxpVvs5o_oeuNbW037cBwXNDhWfv3G3x1YOfqbAT6axE-jFip63RuMShKzMapO2oabZc1LsHQFzmes53WXA7BvZ4XGIhvTcrdeTEgIOKf7XdEmcg3nw7PjyDNyg-vq1RUXD/s320/tree_wasp_1jul20_1200w_7659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkCAoOLoU9El3Mlm-to0iHnWRH_a6wOYn1Kp_BaazaYpnbDLWGIFMUEvBKWUPHViXEe8pTIZzW77XDSxLZxiHYLIwu5WXlUSgoqV97QpFyit3YOyqnqVAhLYRMIJGgSDGM6u1/s1600/tree_wasp_1jul20_1200w_7661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1200" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkCAoOLoU9El3Mlm-to0iHnWRH_a6wOYn1Kp_BaazaYpnbDLWGIFMUEvBKWUPHViXEe8pTIZzW77XDSxLZxiHYLIwu5WXlUSgoqV97QpFyit3YOyqnqVAhLYRMIJGgSDGM6u1/s320/tree_wasp_1jul20_1200w_7661.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Wasp <i>Dolichovespula sylvestris</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-44138379689228337712020-06-15T12:22:00.005+01:002020-06-15T12:22:53.685+01:00Hornet MothDay 88 of our exile in Banbury and another success. Earlier during the 'situation' I'd noticed old exit holes at the base of several mature poplars in Bankside Park near where we're holed up and made a note to return and check the first sunny morning in the second half of June. First try this morning and bingo! Four in total, two in cop, on two of the eight trees in the park. First time I've seen these in 14 years.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xLgKMu5vPIN8lfcIHron0H2sZ3D4QcFvnDx2kk7QFy1_xUqCcdkYjAdkyBtZhmDi5t3G8ZuMv2kgZ6UI5sI9_b9c1wYipobwFKGEjzzWhTGe-4hDDco2hqd7U98kODJip0HF/s1600/hornet_moth_15jun20_768p_7523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="579" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xLgKMu5vPIN8lfcIHron0H2sZ3D4QcFvnDx2kk7QFy1_xUqCcdkYjAdkyBtZhmDi5t3G8ZuMv2kgZ6UI5sI9_b9c1wYipobwFKGEjzzWhTGe-4hDDco2hqd7U98kODJip0HF/s320/hornet_moth_15jun20_768p_7523.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCB35qM4JzoxCLccgM1occTD-rx2XdZE8SiBoEb50NWcmsEmxL5-WK1YyJN3plltpDUNQnqXUXhtWVL-2hI0O9JCFGxNgl3wLehV1zWV6Gab5sk5V2UUVEUSTRu5ajbaPqTJG/s1600/hornet_moth_15jun20_768p_7487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="591" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCB35qM4JzoxCLccgM1occTD-rx2XdZE8SiBoEb50NWcmsEmxL5-WK1YyJN3plltpDUNQnqXUXhtWVL-2hI0O9JCFGxNgl3wLehV1zWV6Gab5sk5V2UUVEUSTRu5ajbaPqTJG/s320/hornet_moth_15jun20_768p_7487.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BKCIgNkmw6lzzXwZPO7051JgNy2MjSSCqqHk-KclvE0X8Ww73aqGIHXJqTPMFtECLJ8as8l3fKW-wM34WLqxfroZzOfuGxqilMPZpQA1MotJV-Cw_J3CjF3AjbWNUBfA-sg6/s1600/hornet_moth_cop_15jun20_768p_7510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="579" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BKCIgNkmw6lzzXwZPO7051JgNy2MjSSCqqHk-KclvE0X8Ww73aqGIHXJqTPMFtECLJ8as8l3fKW-wM34WLqxfroZzOfuGxqilMPZpQA1MotJV-Cw_J3CjF3AjbWNUBfA-sg6/s320/hornet_moth_cop_15jun20_768p_7510.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6mMmlwj3gZdSgAg4EW9nSgGc7HZYAIV_qu7SHD3hsdoaWzrrh-ZkHhU9tGDPvDksOdDJ9vLAohCUXHdm0eDIZ5cUttpU4Bk2T1IPwjjN2Dslgemxq6PtZuE2YvsD2Arf21qV/s1600/hornet_moth_detail_15jun20_768s_7523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="772" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6mMmlwj3gZdSgAg4EW9nSgGc7HZYAIV_qu7SHD3hsdoaWzrrh-ZkHhU9tGDPvDksOdDJ9vLAohCUXHdm0eDIZ5cUttpU4Bk2T1IPwjjN2Dslgemxq6PtZuE2YvsD2Arf21qV/s320/hornet_moth_detail_15jun20_768s_7523.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hornet Moth <i>Sesia apiformis</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-69511218109628683432020-06-13T15:18:00.003+01:002020-06-13T15:29:59.977+01:00Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">86 days marooned in Banbury, where the wildlife has been surprisingly entertaining. Nightly visits from up to 2 Badgers and regular Peregrines over. Even single passage Whinchat and Wheatear earlier in the spring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However it's taken until today to find a lifer. A Red Data Book species with a scattered distribution across southern England and a westerly bias, it's perhaps not surprising I'd not previously encountered Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura pumilo). But since being here and getting to know the area I've had my eye on a stormwater pond at a new development near Longford Park. The species is known for colonising successional habitats so I thought it might be a good bet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They outnumbered most other odonata there, except perhaps Azure Damselfly (my first of the year). Although known from Oxfordshire it may not have been recorded around here before according to the <a href="https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/species/scarce-blue-tailed-damselfly/" target="_blank">BDS website</a> but will be contacting the local recorder.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Easiest feature to spot is the limited black at the very tip of the abdomen. Photos of Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans) included for comparison.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other species present in smaller numbers were Large Red Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer and Emperor Dragonfly.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8ERKebmo902fTERg86OwTOzhmVBlS61x0we8CuMQTLyjWC-Ac9EqKfQCv1fNxF4ONip5KcsHa0G1sgkE9IkeU7Z_xMLubYE61GS8BgH3HSDuBw3tQKvsAPDwEBXtdd3AVkm5/s1600/scarce_blue-tailed_damsel_13jun20_768s_7443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="697" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8ERKebmo902fTERg86OwTOzhmVBlS61x0we8CuMQTLyjWC-Ac9EqKfQCv1fNxF4ONip5KcsHa0G1sgkE9IkeU7Z_xMLubYE61GS8BgH3HSDuBw3tQKvsAPDwEBXtdd3AVkm5/s320/scarce_blue-tailed_damsel_13jun20_768s_7443.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly (<i>Ischnura pumilio</i>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0ulDpcF_B-NBWpcQxa9HkblELz_tPWUb7_yaPFERxeGRWe4UKXPUgDa7DAf9cqAn5r9R_qWEDjTncvqC27ghJaZEL8vuiBWc-Ehu8VAYR5IWumuVyFKEupJHn48pQ7Uei4Qc/s1600/scarce_blue-tailed_damsel_tail_detail_13jun20_640l_7407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="798" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0ulDpcF_B-NBWpcQxa9HkblELz_tPWUb7_yaPFERxeGRWe4UKXPUgDa7DAf9cqAn5r9R_qWEDjTncvqC27ghJaZEL8vuiBWc-Ehu8VAYR5IWumuVyFKEupJHn48pQ7Uei4Qc/s320/scarce_blue-tailed_damsel_tail_detail_13jun20_640l_7407.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly (</span><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">Ischnura pumilio</i><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdb9FqOpokqNsu6BjUBdSwA2lKHixEmmdka7BiDiUqQo1J1TTxmGZfGOSNUoFJzm87T2j3rfy9bx_76Ieplqc727lOvelqkiAbbzvhsEXPCef-hyTL6dh3gr9Cgnpzrr14u0Mg/s1600/blue-tailed_damsel_13jun20_768p_7427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdb9FqOpokqNsu6BjUBdSwA2lKHixEmmdka7BiDiUqQo1J1TTxmGZfGOSNUoFJzm87T2j3rfy9bx_76Ieplqc727lOvelqkiAbbzvhsEXPCef-hyTL6dh3gr9Cgnpzrr14u0Mg/s320/blue-tailed_damsel_13jun20_768p_7427.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue-tailed Damselfly (<i>Ischnura elegans</i>) for comparison </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteVTcJvAVH_PCCP3Jkkt6a_DotdPvg5Ykidcqm7f7uHX24sQUgZi45c4h6cjzlYg9scpy0bIjFp4DaRmmHC1T1Ex0WzoB6DhfmQ8nY_DoBnwQIK99Cj8Qjz8kbHErVD6Blb4x/s1600/blue-tailed_damsels_tail_comp_13jun20_640s_7423_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="640" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteVTcJvAVH_PCCP3Jkkt6a_DotdPvg5Ykidcqm7f7uHX24sQUgZi45c4h6cjzlYg9scpy0bIjFp4DaRmmHC1T1Ex0WzoB6DhfmQ8nY_DoBnwQIK99Cj8Qjz8kbHErVD6Blb4x/s320/blue-tailed_damsels_tail_comp_13jun20_640s_7423_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-51506218264661290092020-03-20T23:11:00.005+00:002022-11-25T12:21:36.875+00:00Chiang Dao<p><b>Chiang Mai</b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHeP0FgeN5mapmVlk8uTnLcfbB2PWHQfwZIEgKiZlPbgqqcxsqDE46xmIAFmWnrkPYng24FcNDGkoEXWyb2787413J718mbOg-ebGQLLp3fO8DClJFwq925OJJT2YbZ4JepLN/s2048/wat_chedi_luang3_28feb20_2160l.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="2048" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHeP0FgeN5mapmVlk8uTnLcfbB2PWHQfwZIEgKiZlPbgqqcxsqDE46xmIAFmWnrkPYng24FcNDGkoEXWyb2787413J718mbOg-ebGQLLp3fO8DClJFwq925OJJT2YbZ4JepLN/s320/wat_chedi_luang3_28feb20_2160l.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Chedi Luang</td></tr></tbody></table>The sleeper north was pretty comfortable and arrived an hour late and in the couple of hours before managed to see a few birds from the train including a Burmese Shrike and many Green Bee-eaters. On arrival at Chiang Mai everyone had temperature taken and was given hand sanitiser. Checked into a great value hostel close to the Tha Phae Gate for a couple of nights while we got visa extensions sorted out. That proved to be very easy giving us time to explore a bit and see a couple of sights we missed on our last trip through here.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-l91Yb4uLkkXJvOFgfo0oFj44N90rJNy_gd262kzqtUFPoctfD5lKzwsDSuCaZRi8N9a2pq_MfJuM-BLMIb1nXh4owx7XhHANukoOJ3HIvpRyW3lGaOifq7t9jfOYLZpioLqx/s2048/nong_buak_haad_park2_28feb20_2160w.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="2048" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-l91Yb4uLkkXJvOFgfo0oFj44N90rJNy_gd262kzqtUFPoctfD5lKzwsDSuCaZRi8N9a2pq_MfJuM-BLMIb1nXh4owx7XhHANukoOJ3HIvpRyW3lGaOifq7t9jfOYLZpioLqx/s320/nong_buak_haad_park2_28feb20_2160w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nong Buak Haad Public Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Spent one morning at Nong Buak Haad Park, a small area of lakes, fountains and flower gardens. Among the usual suspects it was interesting to watch a pair of Wire-tailed Swallows visiting a probable nest site under an island pagoda and the huge hawk moth, <i>Meganoton nyctiphanes</i> (with the dubious English name Dull Double-bristled Hawkmoth), was an impressive beast.<p></p><p>There was also a Wire-tailed Swallow on the moat near the hotel and a huge roost of White Wagtails there in the evening.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdydBmY7z6x0lgVhhncAVs_mJFMPVJEkAMkzpBn00Bt4q1Up5CMsuqV85AlZgyH8EzhfZHPISwDpRfdTO29q1Hi4ehyphenhyphenVsOPLuaLGcOdtxSDMjoAAZjj_C4N1VKXDk3sdccalIv/s2048/brown_shrike_28feb20_2160l_5406.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="2048" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdydBmY7z6x0lgVhhncAVs_mJFMPVJEkAMkzpBn00Bt4q1Up5CMsuqV85AlZgyH8EzhfZHPISwDpRfdTO29q1Hi4ehyphenhyphenVsOPLuaLGcOdtxSDMjoAAZjj_C4N1VKXDk3sdccalIv/w400-h272/brown_shrike_28feb20_2160l_5406.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown Shrike <i>Lanius cristatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGqruIVUZw9BOLpl-Etc6IIJoJNbiezWK48dY2M6r2WKA7StMlz-TC8g470LH-827LTkSGSCcALWwNOaPc5TyViE25oBctE8FaW_TjpByY-NG_tC6-cfM3Iry2_Rgy387iPyX/s851/meganoton_nyctiphanes_28feb20_768p_5412.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="851" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGqruIVUZw9BOLpl-Etc6IIJoJNbiezWK48dY2M6r2WKA7StMlz-TC8g470LH-827LTkSGSCcALWwNOaPc5TyViE25oBctE8FaW_TjpByY-NG_tC6-cfM3Iry2_Rgy387iPyX/w400-h361/meganoton_nyctiphanes_28feb20_768p_5412.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dull Double-bristled Hawkmoth <i>Meganoton nyctiphanes</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As planned we set off for Pai but on getting to the bus station found that the public bus no longer runs and minivans were now the only option. Memories of hideous van journeys through the Laotian mountains and the knowledge that the road to Pai is a notoriously windy one made us give up the idea and take a local bus to Chiang Dao instead. We'd visited here two years ago but only stayed four days and I was very keen to explore more. <a href="https://thenaturalstone.blogspot.com/2018/01/chiang-dao-national-park.html">See here for that account.</a></p><p><b>Chaing Dao</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ9qlNe-_hoQwEYzY3Ia69WD1xT34rhN8kz0999FHj6oUTMtjM8SccL0IjTFaZe82h_erlGe3c97WDiLZ8JevmBBHnJEPfk3yTDzTeo4H15T0TjEaOtlgoc1Ch1bAgGELUTyOW9y9I1cTylkqYHLyZLQcqKLDFGEPPAGK9zcKTjoGXX0XIQ/s3968/IMG_20200304_091210.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ9qlNe-_hoQwEYzY3Ia69WD1xT34rhN8kz0999FHj6oUTMtjM8SccL0IjTFaZe82h_erlGe3c97WDiLZ8JevmBBHnJEPfk3yTDzTeo4H15T0TjEaOtlgoc1Ch1bAgGELUTyOW9y9I1cTylkqYHLyZLQcqKLDFGEPPAGK9zcKTjoGXX0XIQ/w200-h150/IMG_20200304_091210.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Who knows what the journey to Pai would have been like but this one was ok until Karen sprained her ankle badly getting off the bus in the town. Managed to get a songthaew to the Chiang Dao Hut resort but once in our little cabin that's where she stayed for a week until she could limp across to the restaurant for meals. It took nearly three weeks before she was properly mobile again, and even then only with care.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJahL7rvI4HYYeHPEzeeHLGyBSWVZgGWzgaqDV9s1feeP15KHDwEIGdFXsryXUv6mVhifxXUISdxhJVCRAs6z6odNzGvjJegXjcGAKXeZS7Q4HU2-5HaFxxRiwF876LM-5laQn7cGw64r0uiq_RkYE_tQCnN7vhghS-NU37LPpfajEW22ZQ/s3968/IMG_20200302_132420_1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJahL7rvI4HYYeHPEzeeHLGyBSWVZgGWzgaqDV9s1feeP15KHDwEIGdFXsryXUv6mVhifxXUISdxhJVCRAs6z6odNzGvjJegXjcGAKXeZS7Q4HU2-5HaFxxRiwF876LM-5laQn7cGw64r0uiq_RkYE_tQCnN7vhghS-NU37LPpfajEW22ZQ/w320-h240/IMG_20200302_132420_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While she was laid up I got to know the local guide ("Suntan") who worked here and spent much of the time either at his hide by an artificial pond in the dry river bed or walking the route past the temple steps along the gully further upstream. I also hitched up with a great guy from the US, and Scott & I had some excellent birding together, often with others in the company of Suntan. Evenings in The Cave Bar were pretty good too. The only down side was the extreme air pollution from extensive, illegal burning activity. Off the scale levels of particulates, often the worst in the world, caused me breathing difficulties and very poor visibility at times.<div><br /></div><div>Suntan is a top local guide with vast knowledge of the area. Check out his birding and hiking offers <a href="https://ichiangdao.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tdgBOWx8P84OLP2589gVGgyuO2HcN7pWo6uvCMU-v9hH62RPNCc1LjYXWYw-CZhA5L4-6Tybvj-CSgwCRBB4YNmIrZW0fFBrVfe7Uzkx_XBQXjAH-McNFQCv4bwYDokcLYTLU3908iSvA4Dcv4iGRHOTPhO6Vt7y4em6QoG5DOJk21p7gQ/s3968/IMG_20200308_172237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tdgBOWx8P84OLP2589gVGgyuO2HcN7pWo6uvCMU-v9hH62RPNCc1LjYXWYw-CZhA5L4-6Tybvj-CSgwCRBB4YNmIrZW0fFBrVfe7Uzkx_XBQXjAH-McNFQCv4bwYDokcLYTLU3908iSvA4Dcv4iGRHOTPhO6Vt7y4em6QoG5DOJk21p7gQ/s320/IMG_20200308_172237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7qDCEHnLBUpDJ6dIJkIdIgLI6xhEKtRq8X7mR516Wzm42Zb6O6k3xys7obQlSkyVnvHQ-A7nR-ImSn36cOUTmAWuV5lEs2d68Jf-pB6JilhOo6TELpJgANpzcae1h7WhmMpVXi1cPrWZJfh6yheD-E1aEi5AB02QEVsoh5v7GeECmJdT6g/s3968/IMG_20200317_204310.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7qDCEHnLBUpDJ6dIJkIdIgLI6xhEKtRq8X7mR516Wzm42Zb6O6k3xys7obQlSkyVnvHQ-A7nR-ImSn36cOUTmAWuV5lEs2d68Jf-pB6JilhOo6TELpJgANpzcae1h7WhmMpVXi1cPrWZJfh6yheD-E1aEi5AB02QEVsoh5v7GeECmJdT6g/w200-h150/IMG_20200317_204310.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>By 16th March things were coming to a head with the global pandemic. Our return flight, scheduled for 30th March, was cancelled with no suggestion as to any alternative and borders with neighbouring countries were closing. Miraculously I managed to find an alternative return flight leaving in a couple of days and so on the 18th Suntan gave us a lift to the bus station in Chiang Dao and we began the journey back to the UK. I don't think I've ever been so sad to leave a place and we had no idea if we would make it back.<p></p><p><br />The main birding areas are outlined below but we did also make trips to nearby Wat Tham Pakpiang, the main cave complex at Wat Tham Chiang Dao and the Hot Springs. At the latter we saw a fairly large snake but couldn't identify it. Fortunately no one else noticed it and it was allowed to go on its way undisturbed. Streaked Wren-babbler and Hill Blue Flycatcher were at Wat Tham Pakpiang but otherwise only common species noted. The only Mountain Hawk-eagle I saw was over Wat Tham Chiang Dao.</p><p><b><i>Chaing Dao Hut</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJc8SKKgZYqnO5tNwRhx-qizLmo3u0hA3AXPwJZUBVF6DDyXC2-GJ0vLhEr7RKnR5Qq9E5C2_EWJDzxmTi8Sid3WPM3XNdUi3Uudgb4hucICVTDDZXiUnhndboAQcp8ZJrXk4zNUUT6Pcla3SazOXWWrpuemw5OQ-I7tKMpfIMxVG3wR_Dw/s3968/IMG_20200304_081419.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJc8SKKgZYqnO5tNwRhx-qizLmo3u0hA3AXPwJZUBVF6DDyXC2-GJ0vLhEr7RKnR5Qq9E5C2_EWJDzxmTi8Sid3WPM3XNdUi3Uudgb4hucICVTDDZXiUnhndboAQcp8ZJrXk4zNUUT6Pcla3SazOXWWrpuemw5OQ-I7tKMpfIMxVG3wR_Dw/s320/IMG_20200304_081419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Almost straight away I picked up a bird I must have overlooked on our previous visit here. Blue-throated Barbets were singing much of the time and showing well at times. Other birds common in the gardens were Spotted Dove, Coppersmith & Lineated Barbet, Common Iora, Common & Dark-necked Tailorbirds, Red-whiskered, Sooty-headed & Streak-eared Bulbuls, Yellow-browed Warbler, Oriental Magpie-robin, Taiga Flycatcher and Olive-backed, Brown-throated, Purple & Crimson Sunbirds. Brown Boobook, Asian Barred Owlet and Large-tailed Nightjar called in the evening and at night.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ_zB0qO81ClHD9lyCLYk4guO7FugDITcgqIsdC-g2kec5yglg-9MoSZdI2z5e18fsbTelxNR2k4IoLmw_vtn9exB7dSLAAlGRUg7cJpvMPe4GcjE14AOYJoCPsnCs2CbAN7N0ZG-ztfkxiJkANGWx1AxgkQPZXdUcw5Dkw1we8XoJFaZvw/s808/blue_throated_barbet_red-crowned_6mar20_768s_6126.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="808" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ_zB0qO81ClHD9lyCLYk4guO7FugDITcgqIsdC-g2kec5yglg-9MoSZdI2z5e18fsbTelxNR2k4IoLmw_vtn9exB7dSLAAlGRUg7cJpvMPe4GcjE14AOYJoCPsnCs2CbAN7N0ZG-ztfkxiJkANGWx1AxgkQPZXdUcw5Dkw1we8XoJFaZvw/s320/blue_throated_barbet_red-crowned_6mar20_768s_6126.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue-throated Barbet <i>Megalaima asiatica</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>At the hide the regulars were Olive-backed Pipit (<=4), Buff-breasted (<=2) & Puff-throated Babblers (<=2), Pin-striped Tit-babbler (<=5), Black-naped Monarch (male and female), White-rumped Shama (<=3), Little Spiderhunter (<=2) and Black-headed (<=2), Streak-eared (<=2), Sooty-headed (<=6) & Red-whiskered Bulbuls (<=5) and White-rumped Munia(<=8). Common but less frequent were Grey-crowned Warbler, Indian White-eye, Black-crested and Stripe-throated Bulbuls.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozx-XjUIY2pvVaactNpIXNg9Zn7Mukz7R6KaBM-KtXC9HcbtBfDUpDTwk29XsuKCOBinsGRVgX7oGnpePuuBJIaHYwVCED82O3haCJT6K5C2657kgzNtvmDfpkBPXHu9ijH0M8QAWJ1Un06FbIg4OLi_HcbqiC97tbDWHHLgIPFRPz-rq-Q/s1024/olive-backed_pipit_1mar20_1024w_5514.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1024" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozx-XjUIY2pvVaactNpIXNg9Zn7Mukz7R6KaBM-KtXC9HcbtBfDUpDTwk29XsuKCOBinsGRVgX7oGnpePuuBJIaHYwVCED82O3haCJT6K5C2657kgzNtvmDfpkBPXHu9ijH0M8QAWJ1Un06FbIg4OLi_HcbqiC97tbDWHHLgIPFRPz-rq-Q/s320/olive-backed_pipit_1mar20_1024w_5514.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive-backed Pipit <i>Anthus hodgsoni</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Agp6wwXPlUTCnJk3wx-agw4LLtc6cF1V9ehlG-W8rRuELu21uUlO5nxtdBGKRgadIgJP8Ac9yRWVqXrDSwfwH2GJcAXAMRAAVSP3vwj75ZZ881JVsLjl3ibvlDH5u1N-PYZpnd6w5Dx3TURL7HTsDaquLV0fhXPp6YbsNOAzWpzkOiROTQ/s919/buff-breasted_babbler_1mar20_900s_5534.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="919" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Agp6wwXPlUTCnJk3wx-agw4LLtc6cF1V9ehlG-W8rRuELu21uUlO5nxtdBGKRgadIgJP8Ac9yRWVqXrDSwfwH2GJcAXAMRAAVSP3vwj75ZZ881JVsLjl3ibvlDH5u1N-PYZpnd6w5Dx3TURL7HTsDaquLV0fhXPp6YbsNOAzWpzkOiROTQ/s320/buff-breasted_babbler_1mar20_900s_5534.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buff-breasted Babbler <i>Pellorneum tickelli</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYcGOKRRjVn0cHs1GsPK7f6a9YH_5HHjepBDoGmEVFpdiMeoO-Y1rhwb_Gf91OnWY5PAT2UCYCw95SMYdodumf_F69bckQrZ9P9bFdEcW7EazKLpW7O9JwkJhsR45XHQQ-pOLAmaViRGWcK37MN5Z_xZ9KOVlfBsPzDYfB5qbI4btMoJiJg/s1024/puff-throated_babbler_1mar20_1024l_5420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1024" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYcGOKRRjVn0cHs1GsPK7f6a9YH_5HHjepBDoGmEVFpdiMeoO-Y1rhwb_Gf91OnWY5PAT2UCYCw95SMYdodumf_F69bckQrZ9P9bFdEcW7EazKLpW7O9JwkJhsR45XHQQ-pOLAmaViRGWcK37MN5Z_xZ9KOVlfBsPzDYfB5qbI4btMoJiJg/s320/puff-throated_babbler_1mar20_1024l_5420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBytDhoEsX2OweZ42zmZYUGcIQwHjTCSoWhyEOm84aSkFFB_UNqrTAeVj87CXxZDGsaBARbe9c3SI6_MQRgt3wEWRA1TL4Cl7nX53PNPiA2M0f0lLhAkka0pPP_mYN59k6GidReq5Nr7zFR2t-I_y9qND9gr61EWr5MERH8IR5nsBXk5uEEg/s1024/puff-throated_babbler_1mar20_1024w_5528.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1024" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBytDhoEsX2OweZ42zmZYUGcIQwHjTCSoWhyEOm84aSkFFB_UNqrTAeVj87CXxZDGsaBARbe9c3SI6_MQRgt3wEWRA1TL4Cl7nX53PNPiA2M0f0lLhAkka0pPP_mYN59k6GidReq5Nr7zFR2t-I_y9qND9gr61EWr5MERH8IR5nsBXk5uEEg/s320/puff-throated_babbler_1mar20_1024w_5528.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puff-throated Babbler <i>Pellorneum ruficeps</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxM7RaU2SGuqxMcZEwEO19oU8PKBvGq55si75I5Z9Lwzf60NMd2KnTDT_FbmIVOzH1VdgsZLPMsin5kGn4Y2bBJAjvgJJJiQwyWuMJ0waZF4Bv8BMmY5QGHtz5eMhrQeFDziHKvOtdMxukkwmGefNGtaCOXMYlk44phgCF3v07_mVEyRJOQ/s1024/pin-striped_tit-babbler_1mar20_1024l_5476.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1024" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxM7RaU2SGuqxMcZEwEO19oU8PKBvGq55si75I5Z9Lwzf60NMd2KnTDT_FbmIVOzH1VdgsZLPMsin5kGn4Y2bBJAjvgJJJiQwyWuMJ0waZF4Bv8BMmY5QGHtz5eMhrQeFDziHKvOtdMxukkwmGefNGtaCOXMYlk44phgCF3v07_mVEyRJOQ/s320/pin-striped_tit-babbler_1mar20_1024l_5476.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin-striped Tit-babbler <i>Macronus gularis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNSThegEDxlpjIuV2P1LmRH45MvagyysP1AazAniDYDg9OaWriE78JnSpR2M5v_C34KvekoAmk0jE4KaD9NugC0NaGT6h0WVTOjud3ZB4M7v3rMW-Sv0fmuDDlepLWt3kjAhL6rBfi4rKhbubVftwqu6IvGCXcCZ0eUa9ff2eg8VoMmv_HQ/s1024/black-naped_monarch_1mar20_1024l_5618.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNSThegEDxlpjIuV2P1LmRH45MvagyysP1AazAniDYDg9OaWriE78JnSpR2M5v_C34KvekoAmk0jE4KaD9NugC0NaGT6h0WVTOjud3ZB4M7v3rMW-Sv0fmuDDlepLWt3kjAhL6rBfi4rKhbubVftwqu6IvGCXcCZ0eUa9ff2eg8VoMmv_HQ/s320/black-naped_monarch_1mar20_1024l_5618.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-naped Monarch <i>Hypothymis azurea</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLrYgje3g3MwyGXhL79H5V9olKhXu-tn3x11zN532V8rYUjzz0IFahanLzZXa27h6M_Uma9_BkCc5nT2HOxtkVqjmlCYdSXvoW2Gz4gNvYhAqLCedyHFFQXHXby6Mx9sywvBxW69R7PD-JmBLmC5F7ymfx-eN8I_xQgYjKHB0gilKOF3mLA/s1024/white-rumped_shama_1mar20_1024l_5464.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1024" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLrYgje3g3MwyGXhL79H5V9olKhXu-tn3x11zN532V8rYUjzz0IFahanLzZXa27h6M_Uma9_BkCc5nT2HOxtkVqjmlCYdSXvoW2Gz4gNvYhAqLCedyHFFQXHXby6Mx9sywvBxW69R7PD-JmBLmC5F7ymfx-eN8I_xQgYjKHB0gilKOF3mLA/s320/white-rumped_shama_1mar20_1024l_5464.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gCQBgLMlcOQjvHsRC0nKIuuRamiK0lK9yWXXQDzg7VVgqm5fEA15gZZ41wsoh4qwBPtuSAKgPHVTsPqhgouWWwJ2x4ESqY2xZxhUmUQ5XCYXCIvYpNGoi7JuGAB09QbTLb6WYa_85pPI22jrOgOrkuBJtzUxIsLxJQPsH8RpJKYGtoAYDg/s1200/white-rumped_shama_5mar20_1200w_6082.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1200" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gCQBgLMlcOQjvHsRC0nKIuuRamiK0lK9yWXXQDzg7VVgqm5fEA15gZZ41wsoh4qwBPtuSAKgPHVTsPqhgouWWwJ2x4ESqY2xZxhUmUQ5XCYXCIvYpNGoi7JuGAB09QbTLb6WYa_85pPI22jrOgOrkuBJtzUxIsLxJQPsH8RpJKYGtoAYDg/s320/white-rumped_shama_5mar20_1200w_6082.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-rumped Shama <i>Copsychus malabaricus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAYLsSISU6xhzcfTZiNUIhXkjANo-g6VJ0VNDygwQSCOcugss9fLHaZM6zDb4U4JAn3tz2bQyB9bgS9Ycd45caL4CdIOp6Yeg0CVGgEVpuS4cVwRWxJEXuP6L9kMhoYytKerc690MSA3pcEoTWipiF0yNGH6A8iWpTReTKpLuHRp1hpaxkA/s800/little_spiderhunter_4mar20_800w_5959.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAYLsSISU6xhzcfTZiNUIhXkjANo-g6VJ0VNDygwQSCOcugss9fLHaZM6zDb4U4JAn3tz2bQyB9bgS9Ycd45caL4CdIOp6Yeg0CVGgEVpuS4cVwRWxJEXuP6L9kMhoYytKerc690MSA3pcEoTWipiF0yNGH6A8iWpTReTKpLuHRp1hpaxkA/s320/little_spiderhunter_4mar20_800w_5959.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Spiderhunter <i>Arachnothera longirostra</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-9UqyxMAcFiBlUSj7Q4NJNrNNBcuys6ldQIDb71JQHhhRXg7TwgkR2cwXp8AQV-uZOLAIVToIM-Oc-ZLnQUtt17R1rYOBp3Wb5mnHL7bwJUaapBSzlJcIIRYYYHYhLQe1lijF34T_uDTZStmpu3GRGcimozXRSltinQCGXixHR3BImVxVw/s878/streak-eared_bulbul_5mar20_768s_6078.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="878" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-9UqyxMAcFiBlUSj7Q4NJNrNNBcuys6ldQIDb71JQHhhRXg7TwgkR2cwXp8AQV-uZOLAIVToIM-Oc-ZLnQUtt17R1rYOBp3Wb5mnHL7bwJUaapBSzlJcIIRYYYHYhLQe1lijF34T_uDTZStmpu3GRGcimozXRSltinQCGXixHR3BImVxVw/s320/streak-eared_bulbul_5mar20_768s_6078.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streak-eared Bulbul <i>Pycnonotus conradi</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaEMV4zT2XJ-pp8rePGyTqKaTNxdeweTOzQ4cmSMpMl0IPhBh0k_hefkBvcvTZ5fC-9fK0FtW051pFC6N9AMvxBOuSlyGrQBtMFCSBefsks2eWicwmhvpTR2qWG_aaUIP1E_KBqLcx_qKj-UKZqAsWuMi6H2cBTFKlMeldd8oZpWlRrDgPw/s1200/sooty-headed_bulbul_4mar20_1200ww_5887.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1200" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaEMV4zT2XJ-pp8rePGyTqKaTNxdeweTOzQ4cmSMpMl0IPhBh0k_hefkBvcvTZ5fC-9fK0FtW051pFC6N9AMvxBOuSlyGrQBtMFCSBefsks2eWicwmhvpTR2qWG_aaUIP1E_KBqLcx_qKj-UKZqAsWuMi6H2cBTFKlMeldd8oZpWlRrDgPw/s320/sooty-headed_bulbul_4mar20_1200ww_5887.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooty-headed Bulbul <i>Pycnonotus aurigaster</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdbgMIqxiiCGeYqGoH2HokR6gMgVRrWPTwrR99UYEAo1W3X7VV5DGPIFdGsq89wjW-xECitzUugMuyHorZ_CkUDEZ5DcJbglrdPcQH76qoxiJFCn3E2ObM9gc3PuKT2u6wTwHSOW3iJKJtm1Cc9yUAqJAPtfkhaNf6dbd8MfpDf24ITTjTA/s768/red-whiskered_bulbul_1mar20_768s_5598.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="703" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdbgMIqxiiCGeYqGoH2HokR6gMgVRrWPTwrR99UYEAo1W3X7VV5DGPIFdGsq89wjW-xECitzUugMuyHorZ_CkUDEZ5DcJbglrdPcQH76qoxiJFCn3E2ObM9gc3PuKT2u6wTwHSOW3iJKJtm1Cc9yUAqJAPtfkhaNf6dbd8MfpDf24ITTjTA/s320/red-whiskered_bulbul_1mar20_768s_5598.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-whiskered Bulbul <i>Pycnonotus jocosus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDBhR7OJiuM1XtfZt8l_fG6XoaA6u94wN8OuiHFTZ0bYT9p5zvu0MDP_yAXgHdTpsBZ7RurpytmXABkp2bdPleFXnjZC6eBwVn0aaWAq1yeAPYLOuLxzKuXPsktrMKK78Qx5RZY8UBGSc4qXGz9Gavx3KAlzfm3Y77bFdX0nzpvxwQA8pZg/s768/stripe_throated_bulbul_4mar20_768p_5928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="621" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDBhR7OJiuM1XtfZt8l_fG6XoaA6u94wN8OuiHFTZ0bYT9p5zvu0MDP_yAXgHdTpsBZ7RurpytmXABkp2bdPleFXnjZC6eBwVn0aaWAq1yeAPYLOuLxzKuXPsktrMKK78Qx5RZY8UBGSc4qXGz9Gavx3KAlzfm3Y77bFdX0nzpvxwQA8pZg/s320/stripe_throated_bulbul_4mar20_768p_5928.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_PujLXpvVDV3FIpQJb_soHOS0i49ICfzzbjphrwkeEiw6Qr3a7LBwKAo3U0bLkFLGagKRZ8pdDiVmR5mQS0if2FpoWTPu4DaQIQN6l8rbl9g7o0iYaVdcXjz5Ko8odXTnqdrIkJPFgYbtd6Pp_PC7LSCmrj8CODUilT6YOPxfUL3YsU7uw/s817/stripe-throated_bulbul_5mar20_800s_6095.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="817" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_PujLXpvVDV3FIpQJb_soHOS0i49ICfzzbjphrwkeEiw6Qr3a7LBwKAo3U0bLkFLGagKRZ8pdDiVmR5mQS0if2FpoWTPu4DaQIQN6l8rbl9g7o0iYaVdcXjz5Ko8odXTnqdrIkJPFgYbtd6Pp_PC7LSCmrj8CODUilT6YOPxfUL3YsU7uw/s320/stripe-throated_bulbul_5mar20_800s_6095.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stripe-throated Bulbul <i>Pycnonotus finlaysoni</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-piZugrDzK5ifGjwRJQ9IU8IWuGoifjw0dh3yq9vnK8VRoLiUZPAWE5OJzjwumyoL2-_T2keM0w9oS4UAboTsSJrFZhsL1dAap65kXS26VlIRVyiX5zQWMnb4WGADi4Zl2ezzNvXpJJHtv15niim-IUKUr2ZZ0ITCXWXFRvWGNpjRRAYZ6A/s1024/indian_white-eye_1mar20_1024l_5560.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-piZugrDzK5ifGjwRJQ9IU8IWuGoifjw0dh3yq9vnK8VRoLiUZPAWE5OJzjwumyoL2-_T2keM0w9oS4UAboTsSJrFZhsL1dAap65kXS26VlIRVyiX5zQWMnb4WGADi4Zl2ezzNvXpJJHtv15niim-IUKUr2ZZ0ITCXWXFRvWGNpjRRAYZ6A/s320/indian_white-eye_1mar20_1024l_5560.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian White-eye <i>Zosterops palpebrosus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29ap7IFnU-B-ik0weO_GaShL3m5Ms8BbEMV94p1qnlp-mcKdzrJXO4ma9XNui6D_Zl35zrWsip7QWhXzWAMzEHbtO0Js8mxOgG8y6AONywzTmrixAy9mjPxyIyKoMm5IGLunMPWHBIsFoIjqYkN5jGy44c32b6aE2Z0CLHHtqo475SBVTfg/s896/grey-crowned_warbler_1mar20_768s_5628.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="896" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29ap7IFnU-B-ik0weO_GaShL3m5Ms8BbEMV94p1qnlp-mcKdzrJXO4ma9XNui6D_Zl35zrWsip7QWhXzWAMzEHbtO0Js8mxOgG8y6AONywzTmrixAy9mjPxyIyKoMm5IGLunMPWHBIsFoIjqYkN5jGy44c32b6aE2Z0CLHHtqo475SBVTfg/s320/grey-crowned_warbler_1mar20_768s_5628.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey-crowned Warbler <i>Phylloscopus tephrocephalus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycGXSzShVnitQCl40oJjR16MheJLprxk9fXKhhG8cZBbbfNKbkF5ZSi2hSRHgUvgmHl9Msg62bH8aXk_X0RYfEWfNF6edSFDxBxeOkIwdPnhBY_G4vyrI3gHGbxhyOP-YYn15BvxCRlEKwycNfEa3FuxvH8Xi0PP4QNTBOM-AXvpNhCOFJg/s1024/siberian_blue_robin_1mar20_1024l_5592.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycGXSzShVnitQCl40oJjR16MheJLprxk9fXKhhG8cZBbbfNKbkF5ZSi2hSRHgUvgmHl9Msg62bH8aXk_X0RYfEWfNF6edSFDxBxeOkIwdPnhBY_G4vyrI3gHGbxhyOP-YYn15BvxCRlEKwycNfEa3FuxvH8Xi0PP4QNTBOM-AXvpNhCOFJg/s320/siberian_blue_robin_1mar20_1024l_5592.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One individual that was ever present was a first winter male Siberian Blue Robin, only sexed by the two blue greater coverts on its left wing. During our three weeks here it gradually attained more blue adult feathering but only on the body. No further wing feathers or coverts were replaced either then or for the next month after our departure. It went on to virtually complete the body moult before it migrated around the third week in April.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25Z_GVEFEBZJkdgxnCxqOty4c3OTnWzaLkix1h9HBRtoCgzHZWfnQe6mtR4jUw7QfMug5EvLgUDsQxqfoHt4f_eed4LzUZ6AzzICa4SZlg_KTvBWB7S_H2I2B_r203m3byfpVPETrmhmtFn3etH-FVtGkAuTLxqymiELTyIXyvJ7LANXUVA/s1024/siberian_blue_robin_18mar20_1024l_6671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1024" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25Z_GVEFEBZJkdgxnCxqOty4c3OTnWzaLkix1h9HBRtoCgzHZWfnQe6mtR4jUw7QfMug5EvLgUDsQxqfoHt4f_eed4LzUZ6AzzICa4SZlg_KTvBWB7S_H2I2B_r203m3byfpVPETrmhmtFn3etH-FVtGkAuTLxqymiELTyIXyvJ7LANXUVA/s320/siberian_blue_robin_18mar20_1024l_6671.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx-0yL6aaXZe4iOHmIirwYt-Mbp_gJs7OfFkrIKQSCT1qtchIRf2eEXMmWaKSqXBE9wcEGxyHxvAZLb1nrfbT8I4L32RG7SdLQIPD7IGAg3Q44DGeGWQZQhmSx-nXwSu-Z8JpM-ig__czxEif8reSItn-4fBS7hJgRiePoPODaW57mAqArg/s960/siberian_blue_robin_16apr20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx-0yL6aaXZe4iOHmIirwYt-Mbp_gJs7OfFkrIKQSCT1qtchIRf2eEXMmWaKSqXBE9wcEGxyHxvAZLb1nrfbT8I4L32RG7SdLQIPD7IGAg3Q44DGeGWQZQhmSx-nXwSu-Z8JpM-ig__czxEif8reSItn-4fBS7hJgRiePoPODaW57mAqArg/s320/siberian_blue_robin_16apr20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD-3iLI40Kr3z14XSQXFrVOAIzNxPqMq2-Eyrit6Uz_2uOKJlJIOZ0xHoSD6XQU-setxYETJ6gXn3tS1vgEmUrRFE1cvcvyz6kUyxwoXCWydiOFZB1YuhiLwKr_g3XJ_If7xm6mkd77IZNR2HUV29Oh67ITXWHMAdRBNQbSg7K-EgA0R7ig/s960/siberian_blue_robin_18apr20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD-3iLI40Kr3z14XSQXFrVOAIzNxPqMq2-Eyrit6Uz_2uOKJlJIOZ0xHoSD6XQU-setxYETJ6gXn3tS1vgEmUrRFE1cvcvyz6kUyxwoXCWydiOFZB1YuhiLwKr_g3XJ_If7xm6mkd77IZNR2HUV29Oh67ITXWHMAdRBNQbSg7K-EgA0R7ig/s320/siberian_blue_robin_18apr20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siberian Blue Robin <i>Luscinia cyane<br />Last two photos by Suntan on 18 April just before it migrated</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>Scarcer visitors to the garden and hide included Bronzed & Greater Racket-tailed Drongos, Asian Emerald & Zebra Dove, Asian Palm Swift, Eurasian Hoopoe, Indochinese Roller, Scarlet Minivet, Black-hooded Oriole, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Great Iora, Striated Swallow, Radde's & Two-barred Warbler, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Great Myna, Hill Blue & Indochinese Blue Flycatcher, Thick-billed, Yellow-vented & Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Streaked Spiderhunter, Blue-winged & Golden-fronted Leafbird and a splendid male Violet Cuckoo. Overhead there were occasional Crested Goshawks and Shikra and a single Black Baza. Banded Bay Cuckoo was also heard almost daily but only seen once in flight on the final day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ-MAkmEx0AniuIkf4tc6Q-4we6dPA1MMJNzgz7J6wP7euKQjHfkjJI7IR06EEi9T25GhI7O7ElikVgeeS-8kyr1Eo0N1dOU6BUDKFAJ-F74ikI5LAGzc3uMGTfEJwa3OAuY3t-txyW5znS1GZ0d1e-_9OBKew7tVihZCIFbuZRa9kLiihg/s1200/asian_emerald_dove_4mar20_1200w_5933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1200" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ-MAkmEx0AniuIkf4tc6Q-4we6dPA1MMJNzgz7J6wP7euKQjHfkjJI7IR06EEi9T25GhI7O7ElikVgeeS-8kyr1Eo0N1dOU6BUDKFAJ-F74ikI5LAGzc3uMGTfEJwa3OAuY3t-txyW5znS1GZ0d1e-_9OBKew7tVihZCIFbuZRa9kLiihg/s320/asian_emerald_dove_4mar20_1200w_5933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiEYC1hVEFn3tZNOyoOq0lZhbvsXA5384JZyF52vYOX2LfknDM4bq8X4HX16OUQxbVQzQU8IcVf_IT06c9olCFSQaR4Razb9UO0ceR_B-NUHb1jA5QyHsXDqKxG4IM1cxAckrt1H3SZX0WVn4zwnuB8VtExFhX5Cb3HdHKYt3dc2dS77opg/s1034/asian_emerald_dove_4mar20_1024l_5969.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1034" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiEYC1hVEFn3tZNOyoOq0lZhbvsXA5384JZyF52vYOX2LfknDM4bq8X4HX16OUQxbVQzQU8IcVf_IT06c9olCFSQaR4Razb9UO0ceR_B-NUHb1jA5QyHsXDqKxG4IM1cxAckrt1H3SZX0WVn4zwnuB8VtExFhX5Cb3HdHKYt3dc2dS77opg/s320/asian_emerald_dove_4mar20_1024l_5969.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asian Emerald Dove <i>Chalcophaps indica</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFUhPTFIx28bZp7SSWDiSg75Dno9PEGrVcutevbDrn_Wxl1TlcQwVfikqHH-_EKF7C9At8It1E8fRVPCGqILoDNrSNLZAQzAaGP_OIMa4crTIMleLJeKH3livrBEfmFSv0vUGF-0PfZNb4YDru8SAJmJ0qVx-4fQmAVFU6DuObvcAsqX1Rg/s793/great_iora_10mar20_768s_6319.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="793" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFUhPTFIx28bZp7SSWDiSg75Dno9PEGrVcutevbDrn_Wxl1TlcQwVfikqHH-_EKF7C9At8It1E8fRVPCGqILoDNrSNLZAQzAaGP_OIMa4crTIMleLJeKH3livrBEfmFSv0vUGF-0PfZNb4YDru8SAJmJ0qVx-4fQmAVFU6DuObvcAsqX1Rg/s320/great_iora_10mar20_768s_6319.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Iora <i>Aegithina lafresnayei</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVPDEs8gZ2hI9mnD-bHILHpF9NKJ7vfLB72aHNPctwlNhN98Zwm9FjEpAwoTqvnbr6if_vnhtMoswQsM6fs4WjTbHMP4btEQwbhGnDfVXhZ82HHtGqcyjUNevST_elHsIq9PqNz27Qi4tJ8W4CWyQxK1c49NMMP9dVvXcRePRwu1D22FcMw/s768/hill_blue_flycatcher_7mar20_768s_6201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="710" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVPDEs8gZ2hI9mnD-bHILHpF9NKJ7vfLB72aHNPctwlNhN98Zwm9FjEpAwoTqvnbr6if_vnhtMoswQsM6fs4WjTbHMP4btEQwbhGnDfVXhZ82HHtGqcyjUNevST_elHsIq9PqNz27Qi4tJ8W4CWyQxK1c49NMMP9dVvXcRePRwu1D22FcMw/s320/hill_blue_flycatcher_7mar20_768s_6201.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Blue Flycatcher <i>Cyornis banyumas</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh344uUQILbllWwoLTW7qVqeFFmecP7c_5rvsu0PeFUsBHF4ZOpg0KPxrWuMiDjv8TXBe1Ywbx2W_eaPi19SHK4MRpQJqDABp6aUYvW_zy4NUslfZlZC5PjSHKRFF1dICCHIwFNSPE6Q87lbFTK0l_ScjrzDdZ_iNOd0ORaWMhIfKYcanrSHw/s800/streaked_spiderhunter_7mar20_800l_6171.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh344uUQILbllWwoLTW7qVqeFFmecP7c_5rvsu0PeFUsBHF4ZOpg0KPxrWuMiDjv8TXBe1Ywbx2W_eaPi19SHK4MRpQJqDABp6aUYvW_zy4NUslfZlZC5PjSHKRFF1dICCHIwFNSPE6Q87lbFTK0l_ScjrzDdZ_iNOd0ORaWMhIfKYcanrSHw/s320/streaked_spiderhunter_7mar20_800l_6171.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streaked Spiderhunter <i>Arachnothera magna</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ESIsDzLA10PrkqJSyw56VQkhTPnXn7P8M-Gd_ocKHGuIqarjjrEqDFjxa9Kq_rmchO0K9gaFGVMzHhhZ5_97M11btL_5IDbpXM-s_4FAVzdG5OdZTiYlOY8zJZNLFfbpa9yF8OVveP3gyv3VmAhkoeHAxtVBeLIXja86OhNETwVhn1ks5g/s1024/blue-winged_leafbird_4mar20_1024l_5991.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1024" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ESIsDzLA10PrkqJSyw56VQkhTPnXn7P8M-Gd_ocKHGuIqarjjrEqDFjxa9Kq_rmchO0K9gaFGVMzHhhZ5_97M11btL_5IDbpXM-s_4FAVzdG5OdZTiYlOY8zJZNLFfbpa9yF8OVveP3gyv3VmAhkoeHAxtVBeLIXja86OhNETwVhn1ks5g/s320/blue-winged_leafbird_4mar20_1024l_5991.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue-winged Leafbird <i>Chloropsis cochinchinensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4lDqSEUNvr6GfR8aYqR9GCKt047ZP5664H-g1ASUlqCL_MTTVIwIytXonKthMbBUJ5t2ITjeQKEk7-HSvGsC-peMeJLeP_0ZVxcSTHjWXtHx6t6s-yolp-gSZ8tjoPZlqcoC9-C92iBn-qUIeaZ4y_o8l8Dm05yQHVo3gI3iKTgdxvKDlg/s944/golden-fronted_leafbird_6mar20_900l_6158.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="944" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4lDqSEUNvr6GfR8aYqR9GCKt047ZP5664H-g1ASUlqCL_MTTVIwIytXonKthMbBUJ5t2ITjeQKEk7-HSvGsC-peMeJLeP_0ZVxcSTHjWXtHx6t6s-yolp-gSZ8tjoPZlqcoC9-C92iBn-qUIeaZ4y_o8l8Dm05yQHVo3gI3iKTgdxvKDlg/s320/golden-fronted_leafbird_6mar20_900l_6158.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden-fronted Leafbird <i>Chloropsis aurifrons</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LJ5Gzgu5sW5m8GZsgKon1lb-o8Dde9SChVPLIEitvMHTq8jeOVIQ_Lv8r--tOZnaHC4Dg8pDj5EFnouUyOMCuihU2DmpX1ORzWoLsl4R1ez0KLwL7cpAr2rc_UAAisW9wXC0ROYN2OaZI7DyiZZny4Pb9VUTXcrR6EwqASRP92wC17IFjA/s1440/violet_cuckoo_male_1mar20_1440s_5494.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LJ5Gzgu5sW5m8GZsgKon1lb-o8Dde9SChVPLIEitvMHTq8jeOVIQ_Lv8r--tOZnaHC4Dg8pDj5EFnouUyOMCuihU2DmpX1ORzWoLsl4R1ez0KLwL7cpAr2rc_UAAisW9wXC0ROYN2OaZI7DyiZZny4Pb9VUTXcrR6EwqASRP92wC17IFjA/s320/violet_cuckoo_male_1mar20_1440s_5494.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violet Cuckoo <i>Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhaCE59BoPKbw5j453DGKN9LB8bUzhvCBGnekdKmJ7-azsJcMPJXB_cG9mqtr9c4YtfEnjFVk2TkPPHaIZdKkflzWHknPfszj7vSBWQtUgL5UC3ujESni3X6bOLySlm7jjSXdMoifF1wmSlr_ZQO7ATovZK-UnROreApTugG7h0yK5gqJmg/s798/black_baza_9mar20_768s_6288.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="798" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhaCE59BoPKbw5j453DGKN9LB8bUzhvCBGnekdKmJ7-azsJcMPJXB_cG9mqtr9c4YtfEnjFVk2TkPPHaIZdKkflzWHknPfszj7vSBWQtUgL5UC3ujESni3X6bOLySlm7jjSXdMoifF1wmSlr_ZQO7ATovZK-UnROreApTugG7h0yK5gqJmg/s320/black_baza_9mar20_768s_6288.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Baza <i>Aviceda leuphotes</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV3XgIg6APUSzT9mSrPRWpuaqE6QEI3SlUF8n78XmsDZe23Xyxi2DW_n-qjkOFjvCcLYKPkIaFRxCfySp3h-UotwZl2cSHmcGq1WwCnYV2R2xhZSCQeiS5l8w7Tt7z-9lNp6UkIIG_sjzmtTbqllGA0yujX-XSEOGgtXWvXMTr-roNpy8ag/s1440/asian_emerald_cuckoo_17mar21_1440s_6634.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV3XgIg6APUSzT9mSrPRWpuaqE6QEI3SlUF8n78XmsDZe23Xyxi2DW_n-qjkOFjvCcLYKPkIaFRxCfySp3h-UotwZl2cSHmcGq1WwCnYV2R2xhZSCQeiS5l8w7Tt7z-9lNp6UkIIG_sjzmtTbqllGA0yujX-XSEOGgtXWvXMTr-roNpy8ag/s320/asian_emerald_cuckoo_17mar21_1440s_6634.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One of the most remarkable sightings was while we were having breakfast one morning. Watched a female Asian Emerald Cuckoo visit a Purple Sunbird nest hanging from the edge of the restaurant and take a single egg. Despite it coming back several times we did not see it lay its own egg.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8oL9xkozDilaewHZ_lhXdVndBeQz5ZHx_weX3mRdz5vbX8P_00-mN_Ltyex_XF4twCo6d1a8StwHtRmewWc0dkfyu0H798INHgkNE0rvgOR8iRaUZMC_273y27yP7ASV-R29Y0DefvEnV1lQeSgaKDoTqetCSakoQKgE1WmLGK4yk9kWdg/s1024/emerald%20cuckoo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8oL9xkozDilaewHZ_lhXdVndBeQz5ZHx_weX3mRdz5vbX8P_00-mN_Ltyex_XF4twCo6d1a8StwHtRmewWc0dkfyu0H798INHgkNE0rvgOR8iRaUZMC_273y27yP7ASV-R29Y0DefvEnV1lQeSgaKDoTqetCSakoQKgE1WmLGK4yk9kWdg/w400-h225/emerald%20cuckoo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asian Emerald Cuckoo <i>Chrysococcyx maculatus</i><br />(photo by Suntan)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><i><b>Wat Tham Pha Plong (วัดถ้ำผาปล่อง)</b></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBdVTJIT0rFe8Uo4hUHc3WXnSofgKrQ80-wBOlqyoODiTB3Z-NynRdIhPEYqvkXSu6aeFq-ngAPBosQgW7nEgehqUfhSMzHE2ITflay1-JHLwdrKiMhe5T9Vv6jjqjhp7DwgI1nacIk_hjwA_uDmv17U6rgiKgodGYwVEKmy4zHUbFf7S1w/s3968/IMG_20200303_073141.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBdVTJIT0rFe8Uo4hUHc3WXnSofgKrQ80-wBOlqyoODiTB3Z-NynRdIhPEYqvkXSu6aeFq-ngAPBosQgW7nEgehqUfhSMzHE2ITflay1-JHLwdrKiMhe5T9Vv6jjqjhp7DwgI1nacIk_hjwA_uDmv17U6rgiKgodGYwVEKmy4zHUbFf7S1w/s320/IMG_20200303_073141.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This fabulous temple complex is a half hour walk up the valley up many steps, passing not only many Buddhist mantras but also some excellent birding habitat. Just before the temple itself a path heads further up the dry river bed through varied forest habitat and over the three weeks continued to deliver new species right to the end.<p></p><p>Concentrating on the highlights. Up to 3 Scaly-breasted/Green-legged Partridge showed on three visits always in roughly the same area (and the same as my previous visit here in 2018), an Asian Emerald Dove on one occasion. A flock of up to 10 Pin-tailed Green-pigeon regularly feeding at a tree near the foot of the steps had a Thick-billed Green-pigeon with them on one day. Mountain Imperial Pigeon showed on a couple of occasions, as usual flying over high A female and an immature male Violet Cuckoo made it three individuals including the full adult male at Chiang Dao Hut.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4CSVLZJZJIAWhEOe_GwFd7nZeLjsgu9oyo59hvqZ8ZzpKpcbEigq8XEbgrajH_iI343B2gDseSew6rQoqbUPdNv-DdCZAg_jpjgWQH39hPmiQlPVUKN0daxkdbxpvcctHEDIMmtNNEB78DmazCMjOKOf_W-4nY6ico67NAVgNalr5_wExQ/s808/thick-billed_pin-tailed_pigeon_6mar20_768s_6124.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="808" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4CSVLZJZJIAWhEOe_GwFd7nZeLjsgu9oyo59hvqZ8ZzpKpcbEigq8XEbgrajH_iI343B2gDseSew6rQoqbUPdNv-DdCZAg_jpjgWQH39hPmiQlPVUKN0daxkdbxpvcctHEDIMmtNNEB78DmazCMjOKOf_W-4nY6ico67NAVgNalr5_wExQ/s320/thick-billed_pin-tailed_pigeon_6mar20_768s_6124.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thick-billed Green-pigeon <i>Treron curvirostra</i><br />with Pin-tailed Green-pigeon <i>T. apicauda</i><div class="wDYxhc" data-attrid="kc:/biology/organism_classification:conservation status" data-hveid="CHoQAA" data-md="1001" data-ved="2ahUKEwi2rrqJ4Lj7AhXzlFwKHTe_AUMQkCl6BAh6EAA" style="background-color: white; clear: none; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; text-align: left;"><div class="Z1hOCe"><div class="zloOqf PZPZlf" data-ved="2ahUKEwi2rrqJ4Lj7AhXzlFwKHTe_AUMQyxMoAHoECHoQAQ" style="margin-top: 7px;"></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12Quo_aild61ymXahDxzvFJsal2pyix6_EE_gAdgs_fv5WHbs-zj_RqFXXPwLJ2JS_Rk-ofy7g1JEMjLu1_YTclB-cqjCKw2Jk7nUj8wFOW7fg8nq9zb_wzmIfzogk13klCY8NZ-FECKJ2EbDbtOsVRtLqtWhLNLD0-jKZJag4P-bPo0leA/s798/violet_cuckoo_fem_9mar20_768s_6275.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="798" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12Quo_aild61ymXahDxzvFJsal2pyix6_EE_gAdgs_fv5WHbs-zj_RqFXXPwLJ2JS_Rk-ofy7g1JEMjLu1_YTclB-cqjCKw2Jk7nUj8wFOW7fg8nq9zb_wzmIfzogk13klCY8NZ-FECKJ2EbDbtOsVRtLqtWhLNLD0-jKZJag4P-bPo0leA/s320/violet_cuckoo_fem_9mar20_768s_6275.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Op0XBo6hvIqhnqt785b5-kFbPyvnG1U2TnOaPVtRMtoq84mIExmD9UFJWDzdCrZHxcmZYVx4VtZVwa7OzFv42Y9khTJZTJu2JPcnYQpRdDnIFXNRh8zZb1YcJ6O0Vp1ghqNK0h5D5ucjvqTWQP6fIeMg1hEKcZ93-khOEID26O8ffBaqng/s1024/violet_cuckoo_imm_male_6mar20_1024w_6143.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1024" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Op0XBo6hvIqhnqt785b5-kFbPyvnG1U2TnOaPVtRMtoq84mIExmD9UFJWDzdCrZHxcmZYVx4VtZVwa7OzFv42Y9khTJZTJu2JPcnYQpRdDnIFXNRh8zZb1YcJ6O0Vp1ghqNK0h5D5ucjvqTWQP6fIeMg1hEKcZ93-khOEID26O8ffBaqng/s320/violet_cuckoo_imm_male_6mar20_1024w_6143.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violet Cuckoo <i>Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bq6LQJ7lW-CZlMPt6ci5HjoiwFeJnyqa2eE-FfmZh2dkgZCG0I7HMOXGm0QhecpN8jK4zjs6t_wbG0huHEAa60tLFw-jF-G861o545Kr0YtDIcMfcBVoBuPRJwx9_SBfyqw9qSByUZjEV14a_qEOQt4bFjmJRCDqpEtUKuutoOP-XeX4MQ/s800/silver-breasted_broadbill_7mar20_800l_6208.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="800" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bq6LQJ7lW-CZlMPt6ci5HjoiwFeJnyqa2eE-FfmZh2dkgZCG0I7HMOXGm0QhecpN8jK4zjs6t_wbG0huHEAa60tLFw-jF-G861o545Kr0YtDIcMfcBVoBuPRJwx9_SBfyqw9qSByUZjEV14a_qEOQt4bFjmJRCDqpEtUKuutoOP-XeX4MQ/s320/silver-breasted_broadbill_7mar20_800l_6208.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver-breasted Broadbill <i>Serilophus lunatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table>3 Black Baza flew north on 9th March and single sightings of Oriental Hobby and Crested Goshawk. An Orange-breasted Trogon showed briefly along the gully on one morning and one heard only on another. One Oriental Pied Hornbill flying over at dusk was the only hornbill I've seen here.<p></p><p>A fabulous male Banded Kingfisher showed in the gully on 7th March. Up to 2 <b>Great Barbet</b> heard on several occasions but not seen. Single <b>Speckled Piculet</b> seen once along the steps and once in the gully. A <b>Silver-breasted Broadbill</b> also along the gully once. Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike also only seen once. Blyth's Paradise-flycatcher showed rather well. Grey-backed Shrike seen twice and a Eurasian Jay heard just once. Thick-billed Warbler also on two days, one Radde's Warbler, 2 Yellow-bellied Warbler, 2 Grey-throated Babbler. White-throated Fantail seen around the carpark a couple of times. Black Bulbul often feeding along by the steps and one sighting of Mountain Bulbul.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijHq7gyQU7PNrVDe7WKAOl1S5oFwIWQbtNgsqK1LUcrReK_cWMroVd3tVDk2xIDVPaiNZe6zssYsELVcQ2CR4UAxsaNdszMUvGj8pHrNj5FdlLVzrwBodLmNQiyOHuQfy4f9-10w1xtpoys2uzT0JbqDezRZA1GqG4AsuzHG_SpG3hpDciQ/s1200/white-throated_fantail_6mar20_1200ww_6131.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1200" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijHq7gyQU7PNrVDe7WKAOl1S5oFwIWQbtNgsqK1LUcrReK_cWMroVd3tVDk2xIDVPaiNZe6zssYsELVcQ2CR4UAxsaNdszMUvGj8pHrNj5FdlLVzrwBodLmNQiyOHuQfy4f9-10w1xtpoys2uzT0JbqDezRZA1GqG4AsuzHG_SpG3hpDciQ/s320/white-throated_fantail_6mar20_1200ww_6131.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-throated Fantail <i>Rhipidura albicollis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrKp50zE4nvKZmSBcnvZfbKzjutpm_buzM7ZLBmD-hHpKaz3DNDzX_DHKTkoOiCMH6JC_ojBVmcRalE3GojYjeLSeZi-Mg2omJFAwXfGYd-yfGCELUeZopZVknx2hhqpfKtplvuzsXU2uPNuHw8_ZkHB-2eG-MxXqz6ePqxUoKBjtyQGfQw/s1024/greater_necklaced_laughingthrush_5mar20_1024l_6070.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1024" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrKp50zE4nvKZmSBcnvZfbKzjutpm_buzM7ZLBmD-hHpKaz3DNDzX_DHKTkoOiCMH6JC_ojBVmcRalE3GojYjeLSeZi-Mg2omJFAwXfGYd-yfGCELUeZopZVknx2hhqpfKtplvuzsXU2uPNuHw8_ZkHB-2eG-MxXqz6ePqxUoKBjtyQGfQw/s320/greater_necklaced_laughingthrush_5mar20_1024l_6070.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush <i>Pterorhinus pectoralis</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Streaked Wren-babbler once again showed well along the tighter, darker parts of the gully on several days and not far from there detected an <b>Eyebrowed Wren-babbler</b> moving quietly around dense leaf cover among damp fallen trunks. This went on to show again a few days later. Incredibly hard to see and felt like a real find.<p></p><p>A single Black-throated Laughingthrush and, on four visits, up to 6 <b>Greater Necklaced Laughingthrushes</b>. The latter definitely a lifer and the former maybe as well since only previous encounter was in Luang Prabang and I strongly suspected captive origin.</p><p>Single Black-throated Sunbird on two days near the temple and a Purple-naped Spiderhunter was my first for some years.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH12orqQlhupPvNJcEDCQ9q-2an0l4clK6n9klmvVfzJsnrG6Zh6ijztvirjeVfaw2y0IFGporRZprMfMVlR7O18SepoBRUmy4zg6hkDxv1MTbTsezX8M2-DxxopoJCgC-XdHZn4r4TVKh44gPAgTDih5d590mGwq5KIdIN2KO54KwVKtarA/s1024/black-throated_sunbird_18mar21_1024s_6663.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH12orqQlhupPvNJcEDCQ9q-2an0l4clK6n9klmvVfzJsnrG6Zh6ijztvirjeVfaw2y0IFGporRZprMfMVlR7O18SepoBRUmy4zg6hkDxv1MTbTsezX8M2-DxxopoJCgC-XdHZn4r4TVKh44gPAgTDih5d590mGwq5KIdIN2KO54KwVKtarA/s320/black-throated_sunbird_18mar21_1024s_6663.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-throated Sunbird <i>Aethopyga saturata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Best find though was a <b>Brown-breasted Flycatcher</b>, which showed on 10th & 11th March in a wider part of the river bed where both the the Broadbill and the Trogon had showed. Probably pretty scarce in Thailand.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0wB6mm8slyKu3JyHT9O2YsbH6KGCOZZUeUCXVelG0qfYZ8ACbmnfVm7iTIZV7I32ZIYbsNL3N40t7I-f0UFhLc5LdqCT_PcgFVVWz2jl_d9_AdOxytR9EGG-e7vOHg7nr_8F_u-USQBwTaV9_KLCmJnDfKx5iGfN2iTNHR-2zkOUT8qshQ/s800/brown-breasted_flycatcher_10mar21_800p_6380.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="632" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0wB6mm8slyKu3JyHT9O2YsbH6KGCOZZUeUCXVelG0qfYZ8ACbmnfVm7iTIZV7I32ZIYbsNL3N40t7I-f0UFhLc5LdqCT_PcgFVVWz2jl_d9_AdOxytR9EGG-e7vOHg7nr_8F_u-USQBwTaV9_KLCmJnDfKx5iGfN2iTNHR-2zkOUT8qshQ/s320/brown-breasted_flycatcher_10mar21_800p_6380.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosRQJsl3Sb4RasbwvTNVrRbm7XMt9aeXSVlYirN-vwIq2lF2DIBaW6xBGOocGlGmnSsLU5L48IqZNE1c_yMa5TnrNrrLm5rX4dYgA26PriChFb_Knfu2PvWSfT63RHkv37-ecyJsw5RQzLDA4bdu9mxEZMmSr5pWVXap40QUuvLe7FFxTBg/s1366/brown-breasted_flycatcher_11mar21_1366w_6385.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1366" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosRQJsl3Sb4RasbwvTNVrRbm7XMt9aeXSVlYirN-vwIq2lF2DIBaW6xBGOocGlGmnSsLU5L48IqZNE1c_yMa5TnrNrrLm5rX4dYgA26PriChFb_Knfu2PvWSfT63RHkv37-ecyJsw5RQzLDA4bdu9mxEZMmSr5pWVXap40QUuvLe7FFxTBg/s320/brown-breasted_flycatcher_11mar21_1366w_6385.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown-breasted Flycatcher <i>Muscicapa muttui</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><i>Pha Tang Road</i></b></p><p>Although my main focus was on the garden hide and temple areas I also made the walk up to the checkpoint at Pha Tang twice, which yielded a few species not seen elsewhere.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7P19gNqCdeUbi-UZnY-bC87Wefl2we8jMkT5bW1lRweYOrTvwFmtZSrDAYIfmEhBep2nanqN2RA-KTYk971qpCKP4f5gHsWoSuGQokbS9ev3Y7bhHYb1xEBqnNcYkEnIJZXrTWsMNolVIiG0FXXFhyqatLkt_3beQgUh7A7oOmvVaNp0dA/s800/raddes_warbler_2mar20_800l_5644.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="800" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7P19gNqCdeUbi-UZnY-bC87Wefl2we8jMkT5bW1lRweYOrTvwFmtZSrDAYIfmEhBep2nanqN2RA-KTYk971qpCKP4f5gHsWoSuGQokbS9ev3Y7bhHYb1xEBqnNcYkEnIJZXrTWsMNolVIiG0FXXFhyqatLkt_3beQgUh7A7oOmvVaNp0dA/s320/raddes_warbler_2mar20_800l_5644.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radde's Warbler <i>Phylloscopus schwarzi</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />A pair of <b>Bay Woodpeckers</b> moving noisily and low through bamboo thickets were hard to get good view of but a welcome lifer. 2 Eurasian Jays heard along here were the only ones of the trip. On on of the last days we picked up a <b>Baikal Bush Warbler</b> in a small grassy area - as with most Locustella warblers, also incredibly hard to see well. Also single sightings of Grey-backed Shrike, Grey-breasted Prinia, Thick-billed, Radde's and Dusky Warblers. A pair of skittish Black-backed Forktail proved very difficult to relocate and only gave brief views.<p></p><p><b><i>Chill Chiang Dao</i></b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeXmrDh7ONLF4jiuUtpsms-Pfe4cwWMEr-rhpuCNN2FqqUqo5f98GOUNzNBG8OY3gotXn22si7Sa_v4ZsJ0i-QMrQJiQEJyrVWf9UGMTe6MfOT-o-q4biEjs_qgOZWKL2I94EgtPlCsqQGevqhK4Y3GCvlxGDgV49YuvI93Vaw1Y0Xsb5fw/s1440/siberian_rubythroat_16mar21_1440s_6629.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeXmrDh7ONLF4jiuUtpsms-Pfe4cwWMEr-rhpuCNN2FqqUqo5f98GOUNzNBG8OY3gotXn22si7Sa_v4ZsJ0i-QMrQJiQEJyrVWf9UGMTe6MfOT-o-q4biEjs_qgOZWKL2I94EgtPlCsqQGevqhK4Y3GCvlxGDgV49YuvI93Vaw1Y0Xsb5fw/s320/siberian_rubythroat_16mar21_1440s_6629.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siberian Rubythroat <i>Luscinia calliope</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Towards the end of the dry season water becomes very scarce in the foothills so Suntan makes regular trips with bowsers to collect water from the low lying farmland. Chill Chiang Dao is a small coffee place with some excellent accommodation and we visited 3 times. As well as expected species for wetter, farmland habitats we picked up some other good birds. An immature male <b>Siberian Rubythroat</b> was a lifer for me and a Wryneck found by Scott was my first in Thailand. Other birds included a Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Long-tailed Shrike and 10 Chestnut-tailed Starlings. A Black Baza flew north as part of the small passage noted late on in the trip.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdgsO8z9279X-N3QyHTyPbaH5fKJ296MgGMG_s7CnFulhzdLKC1i6ToYPjQbkNKinsAALWNGQ0-P4GM8b4UtnJlxLwcQFdU-FLV0XN8VusFXLJV4p56KicUjJFRaJ_FfGXngoA-6gxu7zpWZe9TXcNKIjn9oy-UtkaY3RY0fYV77yeddupQ/s1440/long-tailed_shrike_15mar21_1440p_6566.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1106" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdgsO8z9279X-N3QyHTyPbaH5fKJ296MgGMG_s7CnFulhzdLKC1i6ToYPjQbkNKinsAALWNGQ0-P4GM8b4UtnJlxLwcQFdU-FLV0XN8VusFXLJV4p56KicUjJFRaJ_FfGXngoA-6gxu7zpWZe9TXcNKIjn9oy-UtkaY3RY0fYV77yeddupQ/s320/long-tailed_shrike_15mar21_1440p_6566.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-tailed Shrike <i>Lanius schach</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBDfeWBFe18PVYvIRSwhA7wP3NDCZHD0tGoM8a8q3aXF8HByhFHXLWhFJE8rWmttsayQd6eW44MomVMD0xXmt1dNZr0KsknwqASn0QA0JsBOZy9DwkRD_URy5QMMV_GZg9Hh_g1raEBLV8y-vElFqfh2xeWogfTJ-R6QrbLCbmc2pzO8gDg/s1024/wryneck_15mar21_1024w_6557.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1024" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBDfeWBFe18PVYvIRSwhA7wP3NDCZHD0tGoM8a8q3aXF8HByhFHXLWhFJE8rWmttsayQd6eW44MomVMD0xXmt1dNZr0KsknwqASn0QA0JsBOZy9DwkRD_URy5QMMV_GZg9Hh_g1raEBLV8y-vElFqfh2xeWogfTJ-R6QrbLCbmc2pzO8gDg/s320/wryneck_15mar21_1024w_6557.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurasian Wryneck <i>Jynx torquilla</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><p></p><p><b><i>Chiang Dao Hut 2 Hiking Area</i></b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHQD2Ul1obu2iVA6uRgnPYE_MaHiv1glz7rZH_ueat5j5-PtR4j-sejXTHo5DMOKWQFgwWATs8-r4Gl65kdznH6vw9BX3sWQM-636_edNWrEyMmqLZr7ZgmLBSiJSGPlAtNaSMZt9Pgglzypp5S27kYlhuBWzranozwAuuVnYVv6bLUwTOQ/s2160/rufescent_prinia_16mar21_2160l_6596.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2160" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHQD2Ul1obu2iVA6uRgnPYE_MaHiv1glz7rZH_ueat5j5-PtR4j-sejXTHo5DMOKWQFgwWATs8-r4Gl65kdznH6vw9BX3sWQM-636_edNWrEyMmqLZr7ZgmLBSiJSGPlAtNaSMZt9Pgglzypp5S27kYlhuBWzranozwAuuVnYVv6bLUwTOQ/s320/rufescent_prinia_16mar21_2160l_6596.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rufescent Prinia <i>Prinia rufescens</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Our host also arranged two short trips to their hiking area in the mountains to the south. This was mainly secondary forest with a lot more open land and some river valleys. Birds included an Asian Emerald Dove, Crested Honey Buzzard, Black Baza, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Shikra, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Great Barbet (still only heard), Grey-backed Shrike, Rufescent Prinia, Yellow-bellied Warbler, Rufous-fronted Babbler and a flock of 12 Pacific/Cook's Swifts. It was good to see a new area and help out a bit with littler clearance along the trails. The huge tree containing masses of enormous bee nests harvested by hand via intrepid climbers was very impressive.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTMgRXSotVhr9-l_vv7uKVKB7iVmUBlCuGl6LKqUlExQuxMwXkewhMH2UIrTxUYXGTiPzfxfftxZx68iK7vpY_ykbxiqQZ1O0hHheU6xThYN4Yq3T7oL72XMLt0OOdtuVRqftf1dZo2jpLFiTL2vWY70dSDmMT0voCyw-GXLFYDJX5lBQFA/s3968/IMG_20200308_124202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTMgRXSotVhr9-l_vv7uKVKB7iVmUBlCuGl6LKqUlExQuxMwXkewhMH2UIrTxUYXGTiPzfxfftxZx68iK7vpY_ykbxiqQZ1O0hHheU6xThYN4Yq3T7oL72XMLt0OOdtuVRqftf1dZo2jpLFiTL2vWY70dSDmMT0voCyw-GXLFYDJX5lBQFA/s320/IMG_20200308_124202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBR2U3r1StZqCubv8xnC6cSAdtUN675wjZaVfWC23mlbYm-uYfhnJvt2YDHF8U2wuPSLhJiCw-KR9qqo7Lbn-dB7QyzVcYL-cGlHgj-cafhO-E4auty0O9tYiDNE_X1mV-eXDDPAdjzuXZ091U4cJZZ_yzZKbCz-1v_f7ZpDE1dMCjMXTlw/s1531/crested_honey_buzzard_16may21_1440s_6622.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1531" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBR2U3r1StZqCubv8xnC6cSAdtUN675wjZaVfWC23mlbYm-uYfhnJvt2YDHF8U2wuPSLhJiCw-KR9qqo7Lbn-dB7QyzVcYL-cGlHgj-cafhO-E4auty0O9tYiDNE_X1mV-eXDDPAdjzuXZ091U4cJZZ_yzZKbCz-1v_f7ZpDE1dMCjMXTlw/s320/crested_honey_buzzard_16may21_1440s_6622.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crested Honey Buzzard <i>Pernis ptilorhynchus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><i>Mueang Khong</i></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yN85GJAIN_Re2D9lwrfm-gWeHkCnv_RTBlEn54OpcMboQmLdW3ecVwRyWJU7h24nq1ihVRqNYQXpMX9mjR3M6GBl944TTF_nCzhAO32GBr-wNJE_AQ4dFya39mEvTsizfNNZ0DuzUML4NbEC6CeSQoXocWfXdnO-lCPmQ02D0mXj2ED4aw/s3968/IMG_20200313_083719.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yN85GJAIN_Re2D9lwrfm-gWeHkCnv_RTBlEn54OpcMboQmLdW3ecVwRyWJU7h24nq1ihVRqNYQXpMX9mjR3M6GBl944TTF_nCzhAO32GBr-wNJE_AQ4dFya39mEvTsizfNNZ0DuzUML4NbEC6CeSQoXocWfXdnO-lCPmQ02D0mXj2ED4aw/s320/IMG_20200313_083719.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On 13th March we arranged a day trip with Suntan and, accompanied by another photographer, we made a pre-dawn start to drive across the mountain to the village of Mueang Khong. The main purpose of the trip was to photograph the pair of <b>Crested Kingfishers</b> nesting along the Mae Taeng river. These large Megaceryle kingfishers are certainly spectacular but other than these we saw mainly common lowland birds. A flock of c100 swiftlets dropped in though and I could see no reason why these weren't Himalayan Swiftlet, although if Germain's occur here it would be difficult to be absolutely certain. Among them was a single Cook's Swift.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yEqFXTqeGsK_SqfxEjr8UhAb40EI9nQltrtp18xxPzNdKVCSXrh6vU4adSkio9q1Te1JGXsb3OEvaGNImPdmgU1G1GCMk3f0mK-0TWcNR2forIZ2uKu6EZkNFdX3sKz-Wo4kZgeiBztlkYMUW9d5k_hXSp9vlVdTnt35duNQpJ8w-xE91g/s1565/crested_kingfisher_13mar21_1440s_6468.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1565" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yEqFXTqeGsK_SqfxEjr8UhAb40EI9nQltrtp18xxPzNdKVCSXrh6vU4adSkio9q1Te1JGXsb3OEvaGNImPdmgU1G1GCMk3f0mK-0TWcNR2forIZ2uKu6EZkNFdX3sKz-Wo4kZgeiBztlkYMUW9d5k_hXSp9vlVdTnt35duNQpJ8w-xE91g/s320/crested_kingfisher_13mar21_1440s_6468.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crested Kingfisher <i>Megaceryle lugubris</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Eating overlooking the Mae Khong river added Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper, Rufescent Prinia and Wire-tailed Swallow were notable and the hospitality, food and drink here were second to none. Otherwise birding interest centred around a stop along the forested road climbing back into the mountains.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBA8_vTJ-aQiZUKUOcp9vHHfdXW4FAHqCHuq6P9sSLUY1UDL5MmSIv_-c36_bfo79Nj4E1_LvY6Tge2E8121gFKv8sg5pGU0ptX5mSWMWJidNuwggneFvtrW_94P1ygU1iMnirei5P7Mi8pLhxw_BMzwZ_nV-9RK5dRBcS98UuMNz4ulbv2Q/s1440/orange-breasted_trogon_13mar21_1440p_6499.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBA8_vTJ-aQiZUKUOcp9vHHfdXW4FAHqCHuq6P9sSLUY1UDL5MmSIv_-c36_bfo79Nj4E1_LvY6Tge2E8121gFKv8sg5pGU0ptX5mSWMWJidNuwggneFvtrW_94P1ygU1iMnirei5P7Mi8pLhxw_BMzwZ_nV-9RK5dRBcS98UuMNz4ulbv2Q/s320/orange-breasted_trogon_13mar21_1440p_6499.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange-breasted Trogon <i>Harpactes oreskios</i></td></tr></tbody></table>The early start meant that it was mid-late morning as we headed back and there was still a lot of bird activity here. Highlights included exceptionally good views of a cuckoo and, despite the difficulties of identifying Cuculus species in this region in the winter I felt confident enough to recorded it as <b>Himalayan Cuckoo</b>. 4 Orange-breasted Trogons were very vocal and one showed very well. Banded Kingfisher is always a welcome sight but the Great & Green-eared Barbets and <b>Dusky Broadbill</b> remained heard only. A party of 4 Silver-breasted Broadbill however did show. 2 Rosy Minivets were my first since Sukhothai in 2018. 3 White-crested and 14 Greater Necklaced Laughingthrushes were nice and 2 Black-backed Forktails worked their way along the dry valley floor. 1 Blue Whistling Thrush, 2 Asian Emerald Doves and a Pale-legged/Sakhalin Leaf Warbler were the only other additions here. Further up this road at one of the higher points we found a Greater Yellownape and had Hill Blue Flycatcher and a Cook's Swift.<p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhe1KP9u3Uxc7T746zRtwUBMM8vy3_Ec7jPl4RomxJPSbqLQy0P0oW9lsXCk7nFTFXusx_eM8DUEreLYMk1LxYxNDIBIaScNDy5oU0cTlqsypdK-VyzuytQLtEOv0vWO8Hr5WsbtTP2JsuUUmps5trwhCR-ZHT1Ge36Y5R-DG8SQ7fNK1xQ/s2160/himalayan_cuckoo_13mar21_2160l_6507.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="2160" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhe1KP9u3Uxc7T746zRtwUBMM8vy3_Ec7jPl4RomxJPSbqLQy0P0oW9lsXCk7nFTFXusx_eM8DUEreLYMk1LxYxNDIBIaScNDy5oU0cTlqsypdK-VyzuytQLtEOv0vWO8Hr5WsbtTP2JsuUUmps5trwhCR-ZHT1Ge36Y5R-DG8SQ7fNK1xQ/s320/himalayan_cuckoo_13mar21_2160l_6507.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Himalayan Cuckoo <i>Cuculus saturatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Other Wildlife</b></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyeZprcp3Ev48AMUfuFzAYxTmuLnKDM0MXUOg3JJ-h8gSaT1ehPlUjJrTrVYowGyMemUcrnwIyL_dTPp7jly8t1NF_g4IiOLOzjwaM5xs1mo12Cley_yhjyi1ERfEI6slx3WQ0YnmWNq3aip9WBVrGu608CwHfr7sZK5A64IhjixX3MIKHQ/s768/northern_treeshrew_2mar20_768p_5696.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="617" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyeZprcp3Ev48AMUfuFzAYxTmuLnKDM0MXUOg3JJ-h8gSaT1ehPlUjJrTrVYowGyMemUcrnwIyL_dTPp7jly8t1NF_g4IiOLOzjwaM5xs1mo12Cley_yhjyi1ERfEI6slx3WQ0YnmWNq3aip9WBVrGu608CwHfr7sZK5A64IhjixX3MIKHQ/s320/northern_treeshrew_2mar20_768p_5696.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dXFo6W4ZYcHiY_Sm9IIOHad-BRaeC0nLyJo1FP_fxgd04k1k3ndxZM2YY4N-ikBYKGAWnXjHSHSfpooG2-SsHRGnDYj6Kupr2PAFtPbwQvXOe1SZeJfEi8XvirsH_y2wrGIge0c9LKhm-Rt8y1haMZYSPZzd2rJg0zYFDTBEKCC6ugGHtA/s1024/northern_treeshrew_4mar20_1024l_6017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1024" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dXFo6W4ZYcHiY_Sm9IIOHad-BRaeC0nLyJo1FP_fxgd04k1k3ndxZM2YY4N-ikBYKGAWnXjHSHSfpooG2-SsHRGnDYj6Kupr2PAFtPbwQvXOe1SZeJfEi8XvirsH_y2wrGIge0c9LKhm-Rt8y1haMZYSPZzd2rJg0zYFDTBEKCC6ugGHtA/s320/northern_treeshrew_4mar20_1024l_6017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe13uG_2qBHxjndcP00cxHxzzIa7xa_xtJpLAon1lEfwZHx9muz_rDPsEWB4PtWMhq0-USlegtnelG_pqGBpT9GOmdxZrnvW6NpPl26V5GvRqSSEthQn4xKHT_bFwHNWpbbhG-ykGrezCVJHI9dFbu7ZE5O74-HkISo0JSqypQdFMOUAN5A/s1024/northern_treeshrew_4mar20_1024l_6020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1024" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe13uG_2qBHxjndcP00cxHxzzIa7xa_xtJpLAon1lEfwZHx9muz_rDPsEWB4PtWMhq0-USlegtnelG_pqGBpT9GOmdxZrnvW6NpPl26V5GvRqSSEthQn4xKHT_bFwHNWpbbhG-ykGrezCVJHI9dFbu7ZE5O74-HkISo0JSqypQdFMOUAN5A/s320/northern_treeshrew_4mar20_1024l_6020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Treeshrew <i>Tupaia belangeri</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ4yJJCN3gi3rpVUpkO6V5LqANLzGxud-Tz5jV3ro6xXRKnwt8qYMuxKh_e5YRx3n5UN5PWoz5PSF7L-p4XkKN9bggBdRWAK9Pt-b6AXyNyJG5p1GsIo4gdJgtHkqw_MhasR5ZKshHr1gW5kIWHTt0eLgGzVMiuVd8kuztswmyBYSpf2fKw/s768/grey-bellied_squirrel_3mar20_768p_5865.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="743" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ4yJJCN3gi3rpVUpkO6V5LqANLzGxud-Tz5jV3ro6xXRKnwt8qYMuxKh_e5YRx3n5UN5PWoz5PSF7L-p4XkKN9bggBdRWAK9Pt-b6AXyNyJG5p1GsIo4gdJgtHkqw_MhasR5ZKshHr1gW5kIWHTt0eLgGzVMiuVd8kuztswmyBYSpf2fKw/s320/grey-bellied_squirrel_3mar20_768p_5865.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey-bellied Squirrel <i>Callosciurus caniceps</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIxIKsjRTCbG9aBySwKZcj1nE6pdpyl25z_WOgPU8tkbWd3aHzubqW82nbj2Bul-0Em5kX_6Ox1JbrCQKG0GiqjcRmChlU3_YMu312-YkECqjv79M4YPluujDyxZ73nxbiks8IZ8XVPn4IugmT699-YBL24Hq5zV6BjgmXptCpv-68SHSbg/s1200/many-lined_skink_5mar20_1200w_6092.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1200" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIxIKsjRTCbG9aBySwKZcj1nE6pdpyl25z_WOgPU8tkbWd3aHzubqW82nbj2Bul-0Em5kX_6Ox1JbrCQKG0GiqjcRmChlU3_YMu312-YkECqjv79M4YPluujDyxZ73nxbiks8IZ8XVPn4IugmT699-YBL24Hq5zV6BjgmXptCpv-68SHSbg/s320/many-lined_skink_5mar20_1200w_6092.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many-striped Skink <i>Eutropis multifasciata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNxr5Cdg-k3LXZAZ7IArRKbUpv06Fnr9YhIGwwuHz9FGboTqhOZk88lI_ZwWGh_-yYKyKz4jJBxBFL45P918HrHvITbdKqRl5DtOkHoqk9MAhm7p9JNIxfAjp2RLbPLbqffSZRFbIATC2846HQVDEWZ_i6gH1IE8wvg1GxrF7nv9jwRxSGg/s821/argiope_versicolor_3mar20_768s_5782.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="821" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNxr5Cdg-k3LXZAZ7IArRKbUpv06Fnr9YhIGwwuHz9FGboTqhOZk88lI_ZwWGh_-yYKyKz4jJBxBFL45P918HrHvITbdKqRl5DtOkHoqk9MAhm7p9JNIxfAjp2RLbPLbqffSZRFbIATC2846HQVDEWZ_i6gH1IE8wvg1GxrF7nv9jwRxSGg/s320/argiope_versicolor_3mar20_768s_5782.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80S7FvkWvE1rYSPPQU2SONn7UNdrZ-RuvTsfOM2budbSfYIJrsaHZpjZe1WtGZMAzWvt8DrobvPzupuYJhogi_B3agCOpKFtN3UKvMKaQzVpOA6qrVnUbq_-WpSWdkdJT0gT2czjl8W8UX6M0yymclJ6K4tEOhcumr4FtonILtBSUVSyGSQ/s768/argiope_versicolor_7mar20_768s_6215.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80S7FvkWvE1rYSPPQU2SONn7UNdrZ-RuvTsfOM2budbSfYIJrsaHZpjZe1WtGZMAzWvt8DrobvPzupuYJhogi_B3agCOpKFtN3UKvMKaQzVpOA6qrVnUbq_-WpSWdkdJT0gT2czjl8W8UX6M0yymclJ6K4tEOhcumr4FtonILtBSUVSyGSQ/s320/argiope_versicolor_7mar20_768s_6215.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Argiope versicolor</i> (Multi-coloured St Andrew's Cross Spider)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Joxo2-SGpnUz2zIj_x0_JEOyQswtEFSXUsIa55eHranomTox5Oi0Qb4ywOZUhSS3MvsUYec8QXZ3B_h6-taIEE9nQ7NccRg45SKF6Hp2EJVatAkVZS0SAXu4z5mZuN-LjgzvW8D9i193O3sGsg3X8XLD5bqkgFJ8xcWhLJduafriXfMytQ/s800/chocolate_pansy_10mar20_800l_6344.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Joxo2-SGpnUz2zIj_x0_JEOyQswtEFSXUsIa55eHranomTox5Oi0Qb4ywOZUhSS3MvsUYec8QXZ3B_h6-taIEE9nQ7NccRg45SKF6Hp2EJVatAkVZS0SAXu4z5mZuN-LjgzvW8D9i193O3sGsg3X8XLD5bqkgFJ8xcWhLJduafriXfMytQ/s320/chocolate_pansy_10mar20_800l_6344.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Pansy <i>Junonia iphita</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73iqEAZNLnsBhH8-w_hJMHm5Vm0wUXLbjWFXVtmM8syxef4BjI_hmb5r7JEESGYWV8e1p4xe-VXqLRhEh0xbmnttZVXowSGJqEze4sx_fAeaoKHUXCpB1Y0H02zq93ip-LROw0p-VyLwOtjwmR154bOJ67eQXXBBbiRMmHQWByUivMMbUQA/s833/common_archduke_fem_4mar20_768s_5899.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="833" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73iqEAZNLnsBhH8-w_hJMHm5Vm0wUXLbjWFXVtmM8syxef4BjI_hmb5r7JEESGYWV8e1p4xe-VXqLRhEh0xbmnttZVXowSGJqEze4sx_fAeaoKHUXCpB1Y0H02zq93ip-LROw0p-VyLwOtjwmR154bOJ67eQXXBBbiRMmHQWByUivMMbUQA/s320/common_archduke_fem_4mar20_768s_5899.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Archduke <i>Lexias pardalis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4EXcwgX_y-eIGWLKJczabqzD_OqXiR1NGEJu3yGxLwqfaGCMh5orBRxnRnRbzoPJMbPwZj3AGeBkDE0wqxAvXQyBo91k0EPpknyzJpFdc0gRQiEhFtHr_o_EpbQh7jwRcHCA6s6C-J8f_IvOpzprpTCuKtV6vlXMO-KqPu91rLE9-IYFlw/s800/common_earl_10mar20_800l_6348.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4EXcwgX_y-eIGWLKJczabqzD_OqXiR1NGEJu3yGxLwqfaGCMh5orBRxnRnRbzoPJMbPwZj3AGeBkDE0wqxAvXQyBo91k0EPpknyzJpFdc0gRQiEhFtHr_o_EpbQh7jwRcHCA6s6C-J8f_IvOpzprpTCuKtV6vlXMO-KqPu91rLE9-IYFlw/s320/common_earl_10mar20_800l_6348.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Earl <i>Tanaecia julii</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA7p1bIVvBO8nRr2mc6JqzmS1iGVG8Q6lPKbS2a6V-lOgk7MH36X6CIdIZi2B_ZPXS4yqzghGjKgHgQK7IIu6-yBDfWFo1nBzfCIGX2WItyd-DDKWHMPtManR98H39XXQHfVnV9buxl70sTjni7QadmAT8YFxP5rbWTV8IsbCyvMVqD2dCw/s805/common_hedge_blue_10mar20_768s_6349.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="805" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA7p1bIVvBO8nRr2mc6JqzmS1iGVG8Q6lPKbS2a6V-lOgk7MH36X6CIdIZi2B_ZPXS4yqzghGjKgHgQK7IIu6-yBDfWFo1nBzfCIGX2WItyd-DDKWHMPtManR98H39XXQHfVnV9buxl70sTjni7QadmAT8YFxP5rbWTV8IsbCyvMVqD2dCw/s320/common_hedge_blue_10mar20_768s_6349.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Hedge Blue <i>Acytolepis puspa</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRhq8EZRFi1rcC2y9Cc6gvfYwL1lVkUlJJn38kO3i5boG0DUSPa_eanB-BVVVaMg4UIptqjKOJ3EDEYmcjts8wTcFbY83H01pc3JH_waRjoG4rZOlO7ipE70YprzssS2vJdJkLZO2ss97YgeZ_YrsTKS-pMN11AM-vKBZhl_nWdd0cpxjQQ/s768/common_jay_4mar20_768p_5976.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="716" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRhq8EZRFi1rcC2y9Cc6gvfYwL1lVkUlJJn38kO3i5boG0DUSPa_eanB-BVVVaMg4UIptqjKOJ3EDEYmcjts8wTcFbY83H01pc3JH_waRjoG4rZOlO7ipE70YprzssS2vJdJkLZO2ss97YgeZ_YrsTKS-pMN11AM-vKBZhl_nWdd0cpxjQQ/s320/common_jay_4mar20_768p_5976.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Jay <i>Graphium doson</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF1otEI3wLGNYC4EBAjBU-dyhYat-dL7_w8uYyA0QnnNnpzn6avlBmqFoiix0wMqVg8jsptORkvfOSdGmrNS2b_9kiUg2s1nRnTOFTHs1EMatX6NvtPzl-Xuweo2HpC1ofLtaTfiQYE8q9Ud7jgRYQbl5ze9J7tONtI9i23QGcLGYsQ1A0g/s1024/common_map_1mar20_1024l_5505.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1024" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF1otEI3wLGNYC4EBAjBU-dyhYat-dL7_w8uYyA0QnnNnpzn6avlBmqFoiix0wMqVg8jsptORkvfOSdGmrNS2b_9kiUg2s1nRnTOFTHs1EMatX6NvtPzl-Xuweo2HpC1ofLtaTfiQYE8q9Ud7jgRYQbl5ze9J7tONtI9i23QGcLGYsQ1A0g/s320/common_map_1mar20_1024l_5505.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Map <i>Cyrestis thyodamas</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Lm-N0HwPT9nBVYzKpnz7pbbGQ5ytriNu1JZxvdr3BlRaJ98xdq12b_T2ZHn3HV5qj7QH5KQj3rWAgyWv3NQOxPfxIVx4OBdq3KWL7RoZu0FVWESrFTXvFDQYaVtQgOo_TGvT2090Cgf8NiiDE66i7054CghdjRu8YAsRa-alSHjI8mf3aA/s1024/tiger_11mar20_1024l_6433.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1024" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Lm-N0HwPT9nBVYzKpnz7pbbGQ5ytriNu1JZxvdr3BlRaJ98xdq12b_T2ZHn3HV5qj7QH5KQj3rWAgyWv3NQOxPfxIVx4OBdq3KWL7RoZu0FVWESrFTXvFDQYaVtQgOo_TGvT2090Cgf8NiiDE66i7054CghdjRu8YAsRa-alSHjI8mf3aA/s320/tiger_11mar20_1024l_6433.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circe <i>Hestina nama</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JoilVLQuH67wXFTJkL2LME1hb1hoReFh7drP4-Bnwxhbd9T7ZcI_dclY5PDVJrjceX6NPWC2CCtIIwBN4HVARcbStW3wUvWth5ovn2-JGM4wO2CqgIhr-glTV2PNPU_IyDZnKCUemljh6y52Przk2pu8nMde5EmX9_GjcGcshyE5V6ociA/s640/tinolius_eburneigutta_11mar20_640s_6396.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="640" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JoilVLQuH67wXFTJkL2LME1hb1hoReFh7drP4-Bnwxhbd9T7ZcI_dclY5PDVJrjceX6NPWC2CCtIIwBN4HVARcbStW3wUvWth5ovn2-JGM4wO2CqgIhr-glTV2PNPU_IyDZnKCUemljh6y52Przk2pu8nMde5EmX9_GjcGcshyE5V6ociA/s320/tinolius_eburneigutta_11mar20_640s_6396.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tinolius eburneigutta</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ61yrC5gtcGIsc_bktWOGmPlkgM5fgvjWYrOryPLDstR4ORUVU8RLf2-ahb5lsFFAxnN2UuZppqar6U4dOEXP_s2he1_57AAv4tSazbF1HOzqdyaws0FhKPyH8Wx2hHlesV1yQYTPyILm5FRrBgawrnWlZDtaDbbAUddQ6wwvpE1r0mO1A/s1024/stick_insect_8mar20_1024l_6228.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1024" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ61yrC5gtcGIsc_bktWOGmPlkgM5fgvjWYrOryPLDstR4ORUVU8RLf2-ahb5lsFFAxnN2UuZppqar6U4dOEXP_s2he1_57AAv4tSazbF1HOzqdyaws0FhKPyH8Wx2hHlesV1yQYTPyILm5FRrBgawrnWlZDtaDbbAUddQ6wwvpE1r0mO1A/s320/stick_insect_8mar20_1024l_6228.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stick Insect</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Full list (165 species)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Scaly-breasted Partridge</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rock Dove</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spotted Dove</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Asian Emerald Dove</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Zebra Dove</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thick-billed Green-Pigeon</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mountain Imperial-Pigeon</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater Coucal</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green-billed Malkoha</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Asian Koel</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Asian Emerald Cuckoo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Violet Cuckoo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Banded Bay Cuckoo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plaintive Cuckoo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Himalayan Cuckoo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Large-tailed Nightjar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brown-backed Needletail</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Himalayan Swiftlet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cook's Swift</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">House Swift</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Asian Palm Swift</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White-breasted Waterhen</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red-wattled Lapwing</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Little Ringed Plover</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Snipe</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Sandpiper</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green Sandpiper</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Asian Openbill</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Intermediate Egret</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Little Egret</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cattle Egret</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chinese Pond Heron</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crested Honey-buzzard</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Baza</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crested Serpent-Eagle</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mountain Hawk-Eagle</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crested Goshawk</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shikra</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brown Boobook</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Orange-breasted Trogon</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Hoopoe</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oriental Pied-Hornbill</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Kingfisher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Banded Kingfisher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White-throated Kingfisher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crested Kingfisher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue-bearded Bee-eater</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-headed Bee-eater</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Indochinese Roller</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Coppersmith Barbet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Barbet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green-eared Barbet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lineated Barbet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue-throated Barbet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Wryneck</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Speckled Piculet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bay Woodpecker</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater Yellownape</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oriental Hobby</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dusky Broadbill</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Silver-breasted Broadbill</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Scarlet Minivet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rosy Minivet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White-bellied Erpornis</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black-hooded Oriole</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ashy Woodswallow</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Iora</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Iora</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White-throated Fantail</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Drongo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ashy Drongo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bronzed Drongo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hair-crested Drongo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater Racket-tailed Drongo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black-naped Monarch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brown Shrike</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Long-tailed Shrike</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grey-backed Shrike</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Jay</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Large-billed Crow</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Tailorbird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dark-necked Tailorbird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufescent Prinia</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grey-breasted Prinia</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow-bellied Prinia</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thick-billed Warbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Baikal Bush Warbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Barn Swallow</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wire-tailed Swallow</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Striated Swallow</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black-headed Bulbul</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black-crested Bulbul</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red-whiskered Bulbul</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sooty-headed Bulbul</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stripe-throated Bulbul</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Streak-eared Bulbul</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Puff-throated Bulbul</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grey-eyed Bulbul</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Bulbul</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mountain Bulbul</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow-browed Warbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Radde's Warbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dusky Warbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grey-crowned Warbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Two-barred Warbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow-bellied Warbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Indian White-eye</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pin-striped Tit-Babbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufous-fronted Babbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grey-throated Babbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Puff-throated Babbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Buff-breasted Babbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Streaked Wren-Babbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brown-cheeked Fulvetta</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White-crested Laughingthrush</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Laughingthrush</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Velvet-fronted Nuthatch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black-collared Starling</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-tailed Starling</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Myna</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Myna</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brown-breasted Flycatcher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oriental Magpie-Robin</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White-rumped Shama</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hill Blue Flycatcher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Indochinese Blue Flycatcher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Verditer Flycatcher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Siberian Blue Robin</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue Whistling-Thrush</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black-backed Forktail</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Siberian Rubythroat</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Taiga Flycatcher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amur Stonechat</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pied Bushchat</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thick-billed Flowerpecker</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow-vented Flowerpecker</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plain Flowerpecker</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby-cheeked Sunbird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brown-throated Sunbird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Purple Sunbird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Olive-backed Sunbird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Sunbird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crimson Sunbird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Purple-naped Spiderhunter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Little Spiderhunter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Streaked Spiderhunter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Asian Fairy-bluebird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue-winged Leafbird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Golden-fronted Leafbird</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Scaly-breasted Munia</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White-rumped Munia</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plain-backed Sparrow</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Tree Sparrow</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grey Wagtail</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Paddyfield Pipit</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Olive-backed Pipit</span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-31643901947622074382020-02-27T15:07:00.002+00:002021-11-21T10:00:36.224+00:00Ayutthaya againDecisions, decisions. It was always our intention to return to Cambodia after our Gift Of Happiness week but with the pandemic gathering pace we thought it best to weigh up our options. And, with a direct (if rather long and mosquitos ridden) train from Udon Thani, where better to stop and take stock than Ayutthaya. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchUXa2pAfdBiK9doPdXul6eKSI3KR_TcxoSangzV0R9xlSSKg9dmwYDYcPPebttXeX4R9IVrWdTCmuDnJvI5NtkuoenbF3aq5rJ72FLuEj3M-2nfD_gTncYxCFpzDdd0tjziV/s768/indian_cormorant_25feb20_768p_5336.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="557" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchUXa2pAfdBiK9doPdXul6eKSI3KR_TcxoSangzV0R9xlSSKg9dmwYDYcPPebttXeX4R9IVrWdTCmuDnJvI5NtkuoenbF3aq5rJ72FLuEj3M-2nfD_gTncYxCFpzDdd0tjziV/s320/indian_cormorant_25feb20_768p_5336.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>We stayed again at the Atthitara by the Chao Phraya river in the SE of the historical park area. For an account of our previous stay see <a href="https://thenaturalstone.blogspot.com/2019/01/a-week-in-ayutthaya.html">here</a>. Once again it proved a great base for exploring some of the wilder parts of the park. Although a similar range of species seen this time there were some significant differences.</div><div><br /></div><div>A Brown-backed Needletail on the first day was a first for me in Thailand; I've only previous seen them a few years ago in Cambodia. Possibly overlooked but this very large swift has quite a patchy distribution across the region and is pretty dramatic. Cinnamon Bittern and Bronze-winged Jacana were also additions. I was surprised not to see any Ashy Drongos but made up for it with Hair-crested Drongo.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZgYHXix2qdJqGmsGIaaJiNnUy6qB6Sp3VeU87D9vwg272YeA4HpnZT-ZtVyMu-r2rKwvH_hsSOLv08xlB75JIQkOwPa3T_NSzFtf91nvRoN8t20hDiJjJoClZpsdvQa0phCC/s784/hair-crested_drongo_26feb20_768s_5401.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="784" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZgYHXix2qdJqGmsGIaaJiNnUy6qB6Sp3VeU87D9vwg272YeA4HpnZT-ZtVyMu-r2rKwvH_hsSOLv08xlB75JIQkOwPa3T_NSzFtf91nvRoN8t20hDiJjJoClZpsdvQa0phCC/w400-h391/hair-crested_drongo_26feb20_768s_5401.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair-crested Drongo <i>Dicrurus hottentottus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Kingfishers were once again well represented, although I failed to find any Black-capped this year. Stork-billed looks to be reliable in the western part of the park and Pied Kingfishers active on the main river again. Ayutthaya also remains the only place I've come across Small Minivet.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTstPZtZL8-s0jquZ8d59CdOh7jfA8gu4TOeu8D1CbV4j7-NUlwuUJmF9uRJc1b1R0b2NlbTetHVcjk1XxihrCu5FU5IyiVmk79KIJxW3Gh_sBBr86FUdkP5a5KLW7I0WPpiqF/s1024/stork-billed_kingfisher_25feb20_1024w_5333.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1024" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTstPZtZL8-s0jquZ8d59CdOh7jfA8gu4TOeu8D1CbV4j7-NUlwuUJmF9uRJc1b1R0b2NlbTetHVcjk1XxihrCu5FU5IyiVmk79KIJxW3Gh_sBBr86FUdkP5a5KLW7I0WPpiqF/w400-h271/stork-billed_kingfisher_25feb20_1024w_5333.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stork-billed Kingfisher <i>Pelargopsis capensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Regular winter visitors included Thick-billed, Dusky & Yellow-browed Warblers, Taiga Flycatcher, and Asian Brown Flycatcher.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUMDiGw272P3mUgrQADJVCkiCZe3WK0Kp2zPfNxRQOAcF0yj9_PjCgJlsTXDQtg89X5YvOF91hSU9Rm3KkcS-D9Du00NEuKOYfyti62HYOslooGAS12o9c86lMO5E0cZI5dMM/s768/little_cormorant_25feb20_768p_5347.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="637" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUMDiGw272P3mUgrQADJVCkiCZe3WK0Kp2zPfNxRQOAcF0yj9_PjCgJlsTXDQtg89X5YvOF91hSU9Rm3KkcS-D9Du00NEuKOYfyti62HYOslooGAS12o9c86lMO5E0cZI5dMM/w331-h400/little_cormorant_25feb20_768p_5347.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Cormorant <i>Microcarbo niger</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nB_rBwpwg7dYYPebLWIohfaQWmnFYeyg2B_z3YuauO_JsYBk_sPz5uBlArd-Vcm4jxaVbpl1KUjd5xQ38vBCxvi7MFJ3oMRENUHNLNPMiM_IAI9o-aNa-3FmhCewuV9l8ySo/s1024/red-wattled_lapwing_26feb20_1024l_5356.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1024" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nB_rBwpwg7dYYPebLWIohfaQWmnFYeyg2B_z3YuauO_JsYBk_sPz5uBlArd-Vcm4jxaVbpl1KUjd5xQ38vBCxvi7MFJ3oMRENUHNLNPMiM_IAI9o-aNa-3FmhCewuV9l8ySo/w400-h258/red-wattled_lapwing_26feb20_1024l_5356.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-wattled Lapwing <i>Vanellus indicus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqXnCujd1a4UZdFKGG-BUn8l2CNmmn9Xk2ClNBwvIXuzCpBtU8XS_5mU-_FGV0IV0y_GFAq5GtySXSuYMy0MeErXApQ3vPtaha0ifMLCZ7h4Ibzz0cVVvS7DVWVBFIOdfvjtG/s1200/water_monitor_25feb20_1200w_5354.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1200" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqXnCujd1a4UZdFKGG-BUn8l2CNmmn9Xk2ClNBwvIXuzCpBtU8XS_5mU-_FGV0IV0y_GFAq5GtySXSuYMy0MeErXApQ3vPtaha0ifMLCZ7h4Ibzz0cVVvS7DVWVBFIOdfvjtG/w400-h231/water_monitor_25feb20_1200w_5354.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asian Water Monitor <i>Varanus salvator</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQXqvkjcGq_6HnLGgijN9y0lFZpK4axE5eToIA0YdC83i4I508c1VNPBInLnJIMlYRpefI_vM-xry9k_IQQAgYXFg4U65Af-NOMZTBVvfa-sUaBk316O1lakp9sFHlwOJP5Y2/s1200/ayutthaya_sleeper_26feb20_1200w_195539.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1200" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQXqvkjcGq_6HnLGgijN9y0lFZpK4axE5eToIA0YdC83i4I508c1VNPBInLnJIMlYRpefI_vM-xry9k_IQQAgYXFg4U65Af-NOMZTBVvfa-sUaBk316O1lakp9sFHlwOJP5Y2/s320/ayutthaya_sleeper_26feb20_1200w_195539.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While here we decided we would travel to Chiang Mai and extend our Thai visas to cover the rest of our stay, then move to Pai; we'd never been here but had it recommended a number of times. So after a few days we took the sleeper north. It's fairly new, smart berths were pretty comfortable. While waiting for the train we watched a few Lyle's Flying Foxes flying around a large tree close by, illuminated by the station lights.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>60 species in total</div><div>Shikra</div><div>Hair-crested Drongo</div><div>Black-naped Monarch</div><div>Green-billed Malkoha</div><div>Grey Heron</div><div>Common Kingfisher</div><div>Pied Kingfisher</div><div>Blue-tailed Bee-eater</div><div>Small Minivet</div><div>Asian Brown Flycatcher</div><div>Brown-throated Sunbird</div><div>Rock Dove</div><div>Red Collared Dove</div><div>Spotted Dove</div><div>Zebra Dove</div><div>Greater Coucal</div><div>Asian Koel</div><div>Plaintive Cuckoo</div><div>Brown-backed Needletail</div><div>Germain's Swiftlet</div><div>Asian Palm-Swift</div><div>White-breasted Waterhen</div><div>Red-wattled Lapwing</div><div>Bronze-winged Jacana</div><div>Asian Openbill</div><div>Little Cormorant</div><div>Indian Cormorant</div><div>Yellow Bittern</div><div>Cinnamon Bittern</div><div>Great White Egret</div><div>Little Egret</div><div>Cattle Egret</div><div>Black-crowned Night-Heron</div><div>Eurasian Hoopoe</div><div>Stork-billed Kingfisher</div><div>White-throated Kingfisher</div><div>Indochinese Roller</div><div>Coppersmith Barbet</div><div>Lineated Barbet</div><div>Black-naped Oriole</div><div>Common Iora</div><div>Malaysian Pied-Fantail</div><div>Black Drongo</div><div>Brown Shrike</div><div>Large-billed Crow</div><div>Common Tailorbird</div><div>Plain Prinia</div><div>Thick-billed Warbler</div><div>Barn Swallow</div><div>Streak-eared Bulbul</div><div>Yellow-browed Warbler</div><div>Dusky Warbler</div><div>Common Myna</div><div>Great Myna</div><div>Oriental Magpie-Robin</div><div>Taiga Flycatcher</div><div>Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker</div><div>Olive-backed Sunbird</div><div>Scaly-breasted Munia</div><div>Plain-backed Sparrow</div></div><div><br /></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-32352438020565036652020-02-23T22:28:00.003+00:002022-11-15T16:22:51.694+00:00Udon Thani & Ban Chiang<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpCgm0kvDE6VAFyvWyJFt536DgI1VA6WiPquHUCl-nHVIbYZjKAYQaojbCoOReYYjwWg_3GOXj-91O8pI79dglVQQWVThj1eyFfYk7OpIZWACooaUPIDnI-8A0IBrqoe5QBgU/s2048/brian_at_school_19feb21.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2048" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpCgm0kvDE6VAFyvWyJFt536DgI1VA6WiPquHUCl-nHVIbYZjKAYQaojbCoOReYYjwWg_3GOXj-91O8pI79dglVQQWVThj1eyFfYk7OpIZWACooaUPIDnI-8A0IBrqoe5QBgU/s320/brian_at_school_19feb21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>Suan Luang</b></p>Nam Tok had been brilliant and it was a wrench to leave, especially when I got a photo of Grey-headed Parakeets that had arrived the day after we left, sent by our neighbours who had stayed on for a few more days! But we had to go as we were due to meet up with our friends at the <a href="https://www.gohappiness.org/" target="_blank">Gift Of Happiness charity</a> in Bangkok. First we spent a night in the Suan Luang district of Bangkok. Just another suburb but there's everything you need in places like this, we got an excellent a/c room for £14 and ate well for under a fiver for two. I took a walk to a nearby mall to change back some Vietnamese Dong and the route took me along a concrete walkway along one of the many klongs (canals). Even in this unremarkable part of the city I saw Plaintive Cuckoo, Little Cormorant, Common Kingfisher, Brown Shrike, Plain Prinia, Black-browed Reed Warbler and more.<p></p><p><b>Udon Thani</b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMQx6FGFyu_vwdIB1mMOntvKOwNq5hXHSNOMfhz6w2AhpvXLbvSEcJ_RaONC0caH7IyPA1hPB4VJ78nkm-4iO-daLRo9fBNZWP4uDdhY8piOMJzhmthVkD6Vz6EB4hfHfDyKQ/s800/aristobia_approximator_17feb20_800l_4704.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="800" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMQx6FGFyu_vwdIB1mMOntvKOwNq5hXHSNOMfhz6w2AhpvXLbvSEcJ_RaONC0caH7IyPA1hPB4VJ78nkm-4iO-daLRo9fBNZWP4uDdhY8piOMJzhmthVkD6Vz6EB4hfHfDyKQ/w400-h258/aristobia_approximator_17feb20_800l_4704.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Common Tuft Bearing Longhorn <i>Aristobia approximator</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The following day we travelled with the charity to the provincial town of Udon Thani in the northeast of the country near the Lao border to put on a few shows and distribute donations at rural schools in the area. See <a href="https://www.gohappiness.org/latest-news/archives/02-2020" target="_blank">here for a full report on this roadtrip</a>.<div><br /></div><div>Again wildlife took a back seat but I did get a distant photo of this huge insect from the hotel balcony; the Common Tuft Bearing Longhorn. Also from the balcony, watched evening roost flights of Black Drongos and mid-sized bats passing at dusk. Asian Barred Owlet sang during the day and other birds seen here included Ashy Minivets, 1 Thick-billed Warbler, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, Black-naped Monarch, Verditer Flycatcher and Brown-throated Sunbird. Swiftlets were a challenge here with some birds showing characteristics of Himalayan Swiftlet but most looked like Germain's Swiftlet.<div><p>One afternoon we visited the Ho Chi Minh Historical Park 12km west of the town. This curious shrine to the Vietnamese revolutionary leader's 3 month sojourn here in the late 1920s includes a small museum and some reconstructed houses in the style of the time. Surprisingly interesting and interpreted by an enthusiastic guide.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hvO55xbeFpnRh531I1iDWq32dp1JFYbQXAqo2E5SJfrGzXaOoLrx6ezVzR98s35dVxlv7Mfh38i3UZqWeaoL-4UvyPAKW076J-zfcHZ3Os8FB5wjpNumzDSx2gZM_43cNNkt/s2048/hcm_museum_20feb21_2160l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2048" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hvO55xbeFpnRh531I1iDWq32dp1JFYbQXAqo2E5SJfrGzXaOoLrx6ezVzR98s35dVxlv7Mfh38i3UZqWeaoL-4UvyPAKW076J-zfcHZ3Os8FB5wjpNumzDSx2gZM_43cNNkt/w400-h264/hcm_museum_20feb21_2160l.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ONIo5T255fUE1VfOErgbUmdmciQqLArkt84-IQxetI86fMSKT4l22N83larYerSKOLUWCYyrRk9RFiuQps4SaLP3z-gpoGm9451ZjXyz-WMsalZ3jokYkSayFI9ZZaQNw04F/s2048/hcm_museum_interior_20feb21_2160l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2048" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ONIo5T255fUE1VfOErgbUmdmciQqLArkt84-IQxetI86fMSKT4l22N83larYerSKOLUWCYyrRk9RFiuQps4SaLP3z-gpoGm9451ZjXyz-WMsalZ3jokYkSayFI9ZZaQNw04F/w400-h264/hcm_museum_interior_20feb21_2160l.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Ban Chaing</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVswZxSeHlOlmaVSHiwQHkOjg2ViQweb4uv85BgjC9R_BO0yny7lZmB03z5xHPEsn5PAh-k4_vDFSlunVW5qkY6PFOUyb1Lqxf12AiHpcU_YG3UYtVKkc089x_PpbIEASc5oua/s2048/ban_chiang_dig3_22feb20_2160w.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="2048" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVswZxSeHlOlmaVSHiwQHkOjg2ViQweb4uv85BgjC9R_BO0yny7lZmB03z5xHPEsn5PAh-k4_vDFSlunVW5qkY6PFOUyb1Lqxf12AiHpcU_YG3UYtVKkc089x_PpbIEASc5oua/w400-h258/ban_chiang_dig3_22feb20_2160w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Being so close to a world heritage site proved too much of a temptation so when work with the charity was over we moved to a small resort in the SE of the city for a couple of nights and hired a car and driver to take us the 50km east to the site.<p></p><p>UNESCO World Heritage site number 76 for me is a museum centred on an extensive area of archaeological discoveries (mainly pottery) documenting evidence of early civilizations dating back around 4,000 years. There is also a preserved dig site a short way from the museum. A fairly underwhelming and low key place with few visitors and even less wildlife during our visit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tSKYTPcrYGqXqI-qZZzoIynWxVFy3ciOCD3Bra8MKdhVo7TvnY9epAW9a9yaF2Gw_iwILvk9JLq6AeV9p326j3HRXRkEcTokCDnciohsX1l4s0ygU3X9g0h94tstpubwpg7c/s1440/ban_chiang_dig1_22feb20_1440p.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1010" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tSKYTPcrYGqXqI-qZZzoIynWxVFy3ciOCD3Bra8MKdhVo7TvnY9epAW9a9yaF2Gw_iwILvk9JLq6AeV9p326j3HRXRkEcTokCDnciohsX1l4s0ygU3X9g0h94tstpubwpg7c/w280-h400/ban_chiang_dig1_22feb20_1440p.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX14lL-w4YgIwzRRT3aaT6MkvODJy7W2Rgf3HuvbD70uL0n1rOwjRa02nyTHYWxUGq8w6tH7BUFLiOqeU3m-fKXuxyN_p_2lZrR1iWVXxfES_MgwcIRYdsYJx5quLe71lOA-B/s2048/ban_chiang_dig2_22feb20_2160l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="2048" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX14lL-w4YgIwzRRT3aaT6MkvODJy7W2Rgf3HuvbD70uL0n1rOwjRa02nyTHYWxUGq8w6tH7BUFLiOqeU3m-fKXuxyN_p_2lZrR1iWVXxfES_MgwcIRYdsYJx5quLe71lOA-B/w400-h263/ban_chiang_dig2_22feb20_2160l.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BanTmkCj2m6O_uqnrHTAJrTcV7qgVc-PrfqWbB0Aqz2B8n1vHiVZ-KV1sjUXxAqbytymxKRXf-jE8-B9uolx4A9JNbr6AWJH_6jcN8vFyuQj8pqcDuCJmeuns1EUrEakBGU1/s1440/ban_chiang_pot_22feb20_1440p.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1010" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BanTmkCj2m6O_uqnrHTAJrTcV7qgVc-PrfqWbB0Aqz2B8n1vHiVZ-KV1sjUXxAqbytymxKRXf-jE8-B9uolx4A9JNbr6AWJH_6jcN8vFyuQj8pqcDuCJmeuns1EUrEakBGU1/w280-h400/ban_chiang_pot_22feb20_1440p.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Back in Udon Thani I headed to the station to get the tickets for the train to Ayutthaya, passing a Buddhist temple procession and, at the Chinese-Thai Cultural Centre, some dragon dancing. The message of solidarity with Wuhan, where the pandemic had so far hit hardest, was a poignant symbol of what was still to come globally.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nI5e1M-E326secT5lq8FOEs4gFT53iNJtSlMVEC7QomF9YNoQZgQxB0KLVauW_E-9-dbsNAE2KUksVqEFyh4HEUe-XN1lF7h3L_qnm95wopJny-V9A0BQVv2Eyiv8Y7wZTe9/s2048/udon_thani_22feb20_2160w.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="2048" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nI5e1M-E326secT5lq8FOEs4gFT53iNJtSlMVEC7QomF9YNoQZgQxB0KLVauW_E-9-dbsNAE2KUksVqEFyh4HEUe-XN1lF7h3L_qnm95wopJny-V9A0BQVv2Eyiv8Y7wZTe9/w400-h258/udon_thani_22feb20_2160w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-85287424705482015612020-02-15T11:24:00.110+00:002021-11-09T16:53:44.053+00:00Nam TokWith our Vietnamese visa running out it was decision time. We weren't due back in Thailand for another two weeks and had intended to return overland via Cambodia. However due to Chinese New Year and Tết (the week long Vietnamese equivalent) trains back to Saigon were fully booked and with the virus gaining pace we felt it was best to fly back to Thailand and spend the time within reach of Bangkok before we were due to meet up with the Gift Of Happiness charity.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyRVixD5wN4ZQOXmmDhLksRMg-4hi3tHPqj5yZKgA6tS3j8RMIcwn3NZ7nNthD_LYUJJCIL_YmTl3tDiPkbJ5-V7SlqsKCSbNgyc6vddyYvG2MoeqwZvIrSQv6Owuju6amyvA/s1366/dragon_bridge_1feb20_1366ww_4131-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="1366" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyRVixD5wN4ZQOXmmDhLksRMg-4hi3tHPqj5yZKgA6tS3j8RMIcwn3NZ7nNthD_LYUJJCIL_YmTl3tDiPkbJ5-V7SlqsKCSbNgyc6vddyYvG2MoeqwZvIrSQv6Owuju6amyvA/w400-h183/dragon_bridge_1feb20_1366ww_4131-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div>So we managed to get a daytime sleeper train back to Da Nang where we spent a very pleasant evening and enjoyed the fire, water and music display from the dragon bridge. The following morning we took a ridiculously cheap flight to Bangkok's Don Muang airport and a old train costing a few pence into the centre of town. I'm really going to miss these wonderful third class trains rattling through the scruffy suburbs and pulling into the atmospheric Hualamphong terminus when services migrate to the new hub at Bang Sue Grand Station. The smiles, the small acts of kindness and the food made us realise how much we'd missed Thailand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoP_sYUFDR6BhtLFVRyuwX4W7WxKvGivrtlfla3NA5aYOdhykgC7AOvg5x14RZ_QNKciIC3vpa6HGVIXdZst1zLSoRx1csfjK7l9G8_gihmAzAXaVcZP7M6x87axVHqMankD2/s2048/IMG_20200203_115433.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoP_sYUFDR6BhtLFVRyuwX4W7WxKvGivrtlfla3NA5aYOdhykgC7AOvg5x14RZ_QNKciIC3vpa6HGVIXdZst1zLSoRx1csfjK7l9G8_gihmAzAXaVcZP7M6x87axVHqMankD2/s320/IMG_20200203_115433.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We'd decided a trip up to the national parks beyond Kanchanaburi would be a great way to spend the time before we had to be back in Bangkok, so we stayed at a slightly weird Air BnB not far from Thonburi station and (by the skin of our teeth) caught the early train to Nam Tok in the morning. This train is a great experience on many levels; the old third class rolling stock, food and drink sellers, the bridges and cuttings built on the bodies of prisoners of war and, perhaps surprisingly, the wildlife.</div><div><br /></div><div>I kept a list of birds seen from this journey, which takes almost 5 hours to do the 100 or so miles, and clocked up 50 species. Among the highlights were a Ruddy-breasted Crake flushed by the train, Lesser Coucal, Purple Heron, Black Baza, Black-Winged Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Bronze-winged Jacana and a Greenshank as well as the usual White-throated Kingfisher, Indochinese Roller, Green, Blue-tailed and Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI69HpOWmmYF2n1bQ40C2BqdA1kvyaNjz8WhcMC3TyUlUE1KKkCaBN_KdH-rl4kh42mk6rokYxmlqiR66q3-yJ7IvFr4Idal8IHapPNUOnOafhdMB-878SS4LVnutP_R90zBjY/s2048/IMG_20200214_113406.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI69HpOWmmYF2n1bQ40C2BqdA1kvyaNjz8WhcMC3TyUlUE1KKkCaBN_KdH-rl4kh42mk6rokYxmlqiR66q3-yJ7IvFr4Idal8IHapPNUOnOafhdMB-878SS4LVnutP_R90zBjY/s320/IMG_20200214_113406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We'd been to Nam Tok the year before but we only took a day trip beyond Kanchanaburi so we were looking forward to exploring a bit more. In the end we liked the location so much we stayed put for the whole 11 days. Comfortable, affordable place to stay, excellent wildlife right outside the door with walks into good habitat, a cheap place to eat nearby with outstanding food and shops selling fresh fruit and veg near enough. The friendly owners kept showering us with gifts of fruit from the garden as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtg0rnjlN8nIuPgkje4s5fAW1JWVDg7oAvGIdO5F7xGJK8fekrrhh3smTe-Qao2rPN-Aij57ioTXfC_n-DpBVVSjkcvsSLomL_T8kZlwHJP9UEFZt1uih23bJygP6qom8UKND/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtg0rnjlN8nIuPgkje4s5fAW1JWVDg7oAvGIdO5F7xGJK8fekrrhh3smTe-Qao2rPN-Aij57ioTXfC_n-DpBVVSjkcvsSLomL_T8kZlwHJP9UEFZt1uih23bJygP6qom8UKND/" width="320" /></a></div><br />While here we visited the nearby waterfalls, hired a scooter and paid homage to the nightmare of the Death Railway at 'Hellfire Pass' and had an exciting, unguided walk through some very dark caves. If you are in this area the Hellfire Pass memorial is breath-taking and very moving. Well worth the visit.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDtOBfruP1sy-K_rkyKl4KiLk0M5_i9pzLO5SAI4YI49vjc904ium5wVsrelRrSIK-JRE4YORcITlYIk4r044_QyjNtknZwQvjzQInDtCHb_ck-5Gh1cRc7s4VzJk5HuHrJjx/s1200/oriental_honey-buzzard_11feb20_1200ww_4392.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDtOBfruP1sy-K_rkyKl4KiLk0M5_i9pzLO5SAI4YI49vjc904ium5wVsrelRrSIK-JRE4YORcITlYIk4r044_QyjNtknZwQvjzQInDtCHb_ck-5Gh1cRc7s4VzJk5HuHrJjx/s320/oriental_honey-buzzard_11feb20_1200ww_4392.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crested Honey Buzzard <i>Pernis ptilorhynchus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So what about the wildlife? The gardens of the Baanrai Saiyoknoi resort and the adjacent palm plantation and wooded hills were a rich source of bird life and I found 69 species at the resort during our stay. Often heard Banded Bay Cuckoo, Large-tailed Nightjar and Red-wattled Lapwing but didn't see them at all. Raptors were pretty good with Crested Honey Buzzard, <b>Grey-faced Buzzard</b>, Crested Goshawk and Shikra all regular.</div><div><br /></div><div>An Asian Barred Owlet sang a lot of the time and I eventually located it one day in a large tree close to our bungalow. The way the whole of its body shudders as it sings is amazing and the little tail wiggle at the end adorable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwoOBTqCqABq33ypQ-e60luCqSgBG32ESNtXzQo62zVWa0wLj0OpUucxEhFIRZx6aIjQ9gUlhX6Awk' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8PWU3vyGGT0o0YXMQ_UFr7ULtXCfIgawYLupBNl0q2CCXqFHhaWDonF-m3ClDlEpte3k9pkQvg0EtYMSNHAXGl7f9JNkZPshwsjlcO4ore47-ysuPI5LEa9iPaVG-x9OK6lI/s767/asian_barred_owlet_13feb20_768s_4452.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="706" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8PWU3vyGGT0o0YXMQ_UFr7ULtXCfIgawYLupBNl0q2CCXqFHhaWDonF-m3ClDlEpte3k9pkQvg0EtYMSNHAXGl7f9JNkZPshwsjlcO4ore47-ysuPI5LEa9iPaVG-x9OK6lI/s320/asian_barred_owlet_13feb20_768s_4452.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSowvoBpCxR3bzSH90rUNVI7aUGUaMksXYU5g8SLRGDAPHBjxy-ZNEMaq-XpcmWlIEXqD1zh-wt5lNyAaiPqSWbwZJm4GcO7oYy6-vuMkxfzZXuC8g3ACFEIuyYfS3guq5dXiC/s965/asian_barred_owlet_13feb20_1024l_4438.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="965" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSowvoBpCxR3bzSH90rUNVI7aUGUaMksXYU5g8SLRGDAPHBjxy-ZNEMaq-XpcmWlIEXqD1zh-wt5lNyAaiPqSWbwZJm4GcO7oYy6-vuMkxfzZXuC8g3ACFEIuyYfS3guq5dXiC/s320/asian_barred_owlet_13feb20_1024l_4438.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Asian barred owlet <i>Glaucidium cuculoides</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehFd944FRN9MmVNvQlGCTHVJCrBbGoo8XIG8qJMY0UVrjQ6DzisE-pFyH7YDiYmNEUj3YmWLP6gLDYspJ0jSHEop7x830K_AiJrTb8QMhTH3swmRLdEjvvyksPyS7S1yKoxB0/s1024/chestnut-headed_bee-eater_5feb20_1024l_4204.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1024" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehFd944FRN9MmVNvQlGCTHVJCrBbGoo8XIG8qJMY0UVrjQ6DzisE-pFyH7YDiYmNEUj3YmWLP6gLDYspJ0jSHEop7x830K_AiJrTb8QMhTH3swmRLdEjvvyksPyS7S1yKoxB0/s320/chestnut-headed_bee-eater_5feb20_1024l_4204.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Chestnut-headed Bee-eater </span><i>Merops leschenaulti</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIhp9ydUG2djJaRLCMXxg6WunKtBr3uBamY1gk0B_kSJBnqABs5vYlh_eu0I3q2a-dimwbvUCrFlgiKP28va48U-SjqxuHU9-_doKPs5LLEhofCO15gTCU73pRKchdKH7G2-r/s825/blue-bearded_bee-eater_11feb20_768s_4350.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="825" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIhp9ydUG2djJaRLCMXxg6WunKtBr3uBamY1gk0B_kSJBnqABs5vYlh_eu0I3q2a-dimwbvUCrFlgiKP28va48U-SjqxuHU9-_doKPs5LLEhofCO15gTCU73pRKchdKH7G2-r/s320/blue-bearded_bee-eater_11feb20_768s_4350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue-bearded Bee-eater <i>Nyctyornis athertoni</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Chestnut-headed Bee-eater was expected but seeing Blue-bearded Bee-eater was great. My first in Thailand. Coppersmith, Lineated and Green-eared Barbets were all vocal but rarely seen. Among the expected smaller birds were Thick-billed Warbler, <b>Two-barred Warbler</b>, Puff-throated Babblers, Verditer, Indochinese and Hill Blue Flycatchers. Nice to see Ruby-cheeked Sunbird but the stars were the <b>White-browed Scimitar-babblers</b>, which showed very well at times but were more often heard and a small number of <b>Pin-tailed Parrotfinches</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdDYwushqXfZQcsfx7l9tTuUKT0DQeruRg5tkBxK1kMvixO8hdO5DtGAoxRe620C4Q6F9aD-yV0VEO3VHBmypxsUWlxPGPUM-L4spNZR63Rg2BRaazjuHNwq5pa9SRYCBdMwA/s1024/pin-tailed_parrotfinch_10feb20_1024w_4318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1024" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdDYwushqXfZQcsfx7l9tTuUKT0DQeruRg5tkBxK1kMvixO8hdO5DtGAoxRe620C4Q6F9aD-yV0VEO3VHBmypxsUWlxPGPUM-L4spNZR63Rg2BRaazjuHNwq5pa9SRYCBdMwA/s320/pin-tailed_parrotfinch_10feb20_1024w_4318.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOE6R3PbzVoGYPlaLJIVbltEzpONdQsrrxP2uRWKDwWgGYKiV1Pxk2SPi5Lf5t9oO3VQG9VTQohZNWpsSn5F9ciJ39zZcgsG-1st8ZvgI7BBmhgfbYiw0acMa-gTQcbT3RtdC/s1024/pin-tailed_parrotfinch_10feb20_1024w_4325.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1024" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOE6R3PbzVoGYPlaLJIVbltEzpONdQsrrxP2uRWKDwWgGYKiV1Pxk2SPi5Lf5t9oO3VQG9VTQohZNWpsSn5F9ciJ39zZcgsG-1st8ZvgI7BBmhgfbYiw0acMa-gTQcbT3RtdC/s320/pin-tailed_parrotfinch_10feb20_1024w_4325.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin-tailed Parrotfinch <i>Erythrura prasina</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgD0VZ0fiy3UsgxjxRUYEisJP8kHeVvaP40OQZ-vRvY7K4YUsBHb5KJPxit0-ig20OEvAFfkgd_TYGUbAWJTSb0UljVbppwDH9eQ8c4-hiEXndFB6YNjdYFCqMjtQQo63HS6D/s1024/white-browed_scimitar-babbler_10feb20_1024w_4296.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgD0VZ0fiy3UsgxjxRUYEisJP8kHeVvaP40OQZ-vRvY7K4YUsBHb5KJPxit0-ig20OEvAFfkgd_TYGUbAWJTSb0UljVbppwDH9eQ8c4-hiEXndFB6YNjdYFCqMjtQQo63HS6D/s320/white-browed_scimitar-babbler_10feb20_1024w_4296.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65qVHr4J1hcEo4hehmLxkDpGteWlFImuSA8jx31EAWTKpjcbct7JM0i5ijFAiOsPSvbKrVxahFZe25fNI-KTL8eUg052TPIDRwcAqNGvlsZHk6v85QvXNJLfFFpZmjvG40xGU/s768/white-browed_scimitar-babbler_10feb20_768p_4305.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="647" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65qVHr4J1hcEo4hehmLxkDpGteWlFImuSA8jx31EAWTKpjcbct7JM0i5ijFAiOsPSvbKrVxahFZe25fNI-KTL8eUg052TPIDRwcAqNGvlsZHk6v85QvXNJLfFFpZmjvG40xGU/s320/white-browed_scimitar-babbler_10feb20_768p_4305.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqUGTw-dER4a07gwinfHO-R5odpTUHwCCgEdEH0c8ifKsrnYOX5jbPlsz4iFq6oq-GrFsIJo5JRE1FVNvSl7pYXzLWeLeZ-9eIUolTaDaS9t3kVZ_mKAusWtAX3is2wovkebq/s1024/white-browed_scimitar-babbler_10feb20_1024w_4307.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1024" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqUGTw-dER4a07gwinfHO-R5odpTUHwCCgEdEH0c8ifKsrnYOX5jbPlsz4iFq6oq-GrFsIJo5JRE1FVNvSl7pYXzLWeLeZ-9eIUolTaDaS9t3kVZ_mKAusWtAX3is2wovkebq/s320/white-browed_scimitar-babbler_10feb20_1024w_4307.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-browed Scimitar-babbler <i>Pomatorhinus schisticeps</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEIX83yZEx7_YegtPxnQn3zYmih-GYCJzlQBUVKA_wKASlU149oSgRbP95NIzWnLC5COigziDFl7HZgFPqT-weAY_xacEpnximf0mv8kAad13bHUGRf6Ke88Sgj7gXZTjyk5Y/s1024/yellow-bellied_warbler_6feb20_1024l_4221.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1024" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEIX83yZEx7_YegtPxnQn3zYmih-GYCJzlQBUVKA_wKASlU149oSgRbP95NIzWnLC5COigziDFl7HZgFPqT-weAY_xacEpnximf0mv8kAad13bHUGRf6Ke88Sgj7gXZTjyk5Y/s320/yellow-bellied_warbler_6feb20_1024l_4221.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-bellied Warbler <i>Abroscopus superciliaris</i></td></tr></tbody></table>White-browed Scimitar-babblers were also at Hellfire Pass along with Puff-throated Babbler, Variable Limestone Babbler, Two-barred and Yellow-bellied Warblers, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Racket-tailed Treepie, Striated Swallow, Crested Treeswift and (still only heard) Banded Bay Cuckoo.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNT_g8ydbP5GgoZCxMsYGqvLUzAco2c4W4E3drb6GJin6Sh-3zbdBYK6yU9a5QAZp3IMg2OjDaVFdb5AlGtUyZTb5tIcpXlvs05KLyakMqmuc5FJj9hToR9xD8fYRXVUSr8Rb/s768/lawa_caves_7feb20_768t_4267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="545" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNT_g8ydbP5GgoZCxMsYGqvLUzAco2c4W4E3drb6GJin6Sh-3zbdBYK6yU9a5QAZp3IMg2OjDaVFdb5AlGtUyZTb5tIcpXlvs05KLyakMqmuc5FJj9hToR9xD8fYRXVUSr8Rb/s320/lawa_caves_7feb20_768t_4267.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>We also visited the LAWA Caves on the west side of the Khwae Noi river; a 'self-guided', unlit system that was surprisingly impressive. Very glad we remembered to carry a torch. Had excellent views of a Blue Whistling Thrush here as well as Variable Limestone Babbler and Puff-throated Babbler.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are only two trains a day back to Bangkok. The first is a very early departure and the second arrives a bit later than we'd like so we caught the later train back to Kanchanaburi and stayed the night there. We then took the early train from there the next day giving ourselves another two hours in bed. Love Kanchanaburi but didn't encounter any new birds during our short stay close to the famed bridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>The train back to Bangkok was once again entertaining with Grey-headed Swamphen, Whiskered Tern and Chestnut-tailed Starling all seen on the way.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1sU0g_nacXalBd3AU2adx42AkZkVkBWV6_JRGy_jh65gR79fBN7uuvG_WIDsQhV8rgKI-rei8tLSnDWS0jBmdPIoF-km5LubEjH0tt6DK_7dO3IoUYEO-CB905JnCyDYCvF5/s1024/black-hooded_oriole_10feb20_1024l_4337.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1024" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1sU0g_nacXalBd3AU2adx42AkZkVkBWV6_JRGy_jh65gR79fBN7uuvG_WIDsQhV8rgKI-rei8tLSnDWS0jBmdPIoF-km5LubEjH0tt6DK_7dO3IoUYEO-CB905JnCyDYCvF5/s320/black-hooded_oriole_10feb20_1024l_4337.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-hooded Oriole <i>Oriolus xanthornus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoRzvOxmtPspYwpyCHsf2XAIiq0-yHMtTlFkIQyA0GqQIe4FKXWl75E7XL_qcuMvj2Bgmn6auespjTVSFI9IQ8jgNDWiBdmds5MvdbXg2U7E5N9SAdWpE_eadAb8G06cufoQI/s800/brown_shrike_4feb20_800w_4183.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="800" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoRzvOxmtPspYwpyCHsf2XAIiq0-yHMtTlFkIQyA0GqQIe4FKXWl75E7XL_qcuMvj2Bgmn6auespjTVSFI9IQ8jgNDWiBdmds5MvdbXg2U7E5N9SAdWpE_eadAb8G06cufoQI/s320/brown_shrike_4feb20_800w_4183.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown Shrike <i>Lanius cristatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf0LeYzpzk-vZQVSzxiwoXYridDdoOXjDccekC0syN8TlNZS1pP8hRlENSbk9Uyik6A2cBb2ijEkxnQWWsmOOkLZevLK7KkLMDvCI-OnzlQfNi3e1qd212QPIi0b5RcilCOht/s841/hair-crested_drongo_10feb20_768s_4333.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="841" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf0LeYzpzk-vZQVSzxiwoXYridDdoOXjDccekC0syN8TlNZS1pP8hRlENSbk9Uyik6A2cBb2ijEkxnQWWsmOOkLZevLK7KkLMDvCI-OnzlQfNi3e1qd212QPIi0b5RcilCOht/s320/hair-crested_drongo_10feb20_768s_4333.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair-crested Drongo <i>Dicrurus hottentottus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPcFY1GaHqJuaZimscR8rhalUKuw2bh1C74IIUGkDUYp2TXumlPUs-WuSNjt4ODkpj8-4II987A8nFKMoBXnIIQKpj5PfMqtNB-uCFrLoDthhVo9rhcdwDqYIsxcklcvDCYCm/s800/hill_blue_flycatcher_7feb20_800l_4285.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPcFY1GaHqJuaZimscR8rhalUKuw2bh1C74IIUGkDUYp2TXumlPUs-WuSNjt4ODkpj8-4II987A8nFKMoBXnIIQKpj5PfMqtNB-uCFrLoDthhVo9rhcdwDqYIsxcklcvDCYCm/s320/hill_blue_flycatcher_7feb20_800l_4285.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Blue Flycatcher <i>Cyornis whitei</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzGXm1V95fUTnc3hoRSlzVooe7Xlq7meh4QGoVpjxq3yyCcN5lzQVxskVfFDxoSJeJi0GklqGeTmrfv0hAkC72nnKAqu1VREKE1rwYMETYcnuWtmSN5Wr6tmQ1j9an91dmbvo/s809/hoopoe_8feb20_768s_4291.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="809" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzGXm1V95fUTnc3hoRSlzVooe7Xlq7meh4QGoVpjxq3yyCcN5lzQVxskVfFDxoSJeJi0GklqGeTmrfv0hAkC72nnKAqu1VREKE1rwYMETYcnuWtmSN5Wr6tmQ1j9an91dmbvo/s320/hoopoe_8feb20_768s_4291.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurasian Hoopoe <i>Upupa epops</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPK_hHFij98l3Jit_cIfReFApoEq4Rn-7NdBOPVAb-fLKUOLS74d2FVsKAEz4G0kxo15DilOlqgiCpFDgFzYhDOhyOuJXdDl7B3Z7WcAyxQPCE71PlnZPL0jwpcBkGzVZy_M2/s768/indochinese_blue_flycatcher_7feb20_768p_4207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="677" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPK_hHFij98l3Jit_cIfReFApoEq4Rn-7NdBOPVAb-fLKUOLS74d2FVsKAEz4G0kxo15DilOlqgiCpFDgFzYhDOhyOuJXdDl7B3Z7WcAyxQPCE71PlnZPL0jwpcBkGzVZy_M2/s320/indochinese_blue_flycatcher_7feb20_768p_4207.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indochinese Blue Flycatcher <i>Cyornis sumatrensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a_pl-fhkNfYQRlkCE7qcDpOXAHyKUVniUfKoSjcySZYT_ZHcxEzaMKqYWLThfID1CGSEL3f1Vju860cW8napTUxuph-8OSfKD5BOp0z6A1iqKGoF7j-jFXwqjTJ9QE14qt8H/s1024/thick-billed_warbler_4feb20_1024w_4165.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1024" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a_pl-fhkNfYQRlkCE7qcDpOXAHyKUVniUfKoSjcySZYT_ZHcxEzaMKqYWLThfID1CGSEL3f1Vju860cW8napTUxuph-8OSfKD5BOp0z6A1iqKGoF7j-jFXwqjTJ9QE14qt8H/s320/thick-billed_warbler_4feb20_1024w_4165.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thick-billed Warbler <i>Arundinax aedon</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84Ju9BnAhGxlZs3EpzvKHYlVmdiSTIHR5Ss69DoaM7t__5Z3vqXBn5XyTZQmskz-6vSG5EbN5h19uDNjUiEJwqvIbabjCcwh4ZYJ9prN8Xym9qtjzGJ1FPIHMs587PWoxXxLm/s1200/zebra_dove_11feb20_1200w_4408.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1200" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84Ju9BnAhGxlZs3EpzvKHYlVmdiSTIHR5Ss69DoaM7t__5Z3vqXBn5XyTZQmskz-6vSG5EbN5h19uDNjUiEJwqvIbabjCcwh4ZYJ9prN8Xym9qtjzGJ1FPIHMs587PWoxXxLm/s320/zebra_dove_11feb20_1200w_4408.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zebra Dove <i>Geopelia striata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Xbl9R3aXxhQqfOlELhfl6x7ukSXXH_Zj-y9j4PgVGl3aU5Ybl65M66SURgq_CLoClVlakgOh3PAFJVHymqo_hrUQSnB0JmKwWmandjoUahHTCCiQvtQIooK5AnbAwM-TdUpJ/s1024/tiny_ants_drinking_10feb20_1024l_4344.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1024" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Xbl9R3aXxhQqfOlELhfl6x7ukSXXH_Zj-y9j4PgVGl3aU5Ybl65M66SURgq_CLoClVlakgOh3PAFJVHymqo_hrUQSnB0JmKwWmandjoUahHTCCiQvtQIooK5AnbAwM-TdUpJ/s320/tiny_ants_drinking_10feb20_1024l_4344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnUxyu05g2qkasr3YWgmzqzIo5w3jD0zIqjxiCIjQNNIaG7FDjVKf27G61Ddh4G6Cf_DxS2ll6HfOFXdHnHIzEzFMDWBYYfSyBDN6xBCE2o7pdhKhp_KJWuLKv_lgxtqqRARB/s1280/karen+train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnUxyu05g2qkasr3YWgmzqzIo5w3jD0zIqjxiCIjQNNIaG7FDjVKf27G61Ddh4G6Cf_DxS2ll6HfOFXdHnHIzEzFMDWBYYfSyBDN6xBCE2o7pdhKhp_KJWuLKv_lgxtqqRARB/s320/karen+train.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>110 species in total including those seen from the train journeys<span> </span></div><div>Red Junglefowl</div><div>Rock Dove</div><div>Red Collared Dove</div><div>Spotted Dove</div><div>Zebra Dove</div><div>Greater Coucal</div><div>Lesser Coucal</div><div>Green-billed Malkoha</div><div>Asian Koel</div><div>Banded Bay Cuckoo</div><div>Large-tailed Nightjar</div><div>Germain's Swiftlet</div><div>Asian Palm-Swift</div><div>Crested Treeswift</div><div>Grey-headed Swamphen</div><div>White-breasted Waterhen</div><div>Ruddy-breasted Crake</div><div>Black-winged Stilt</div><div>Red-wattled Lapwing</div><div>Bronze-winged Jacana</div><div>Common Greenshank</div><div>Whiskered Tern</div><div>Asian Openbill</div><div>Little Cormorant</div><div>Purple Heron</div><div>Great White Egret</div><div>Intermediate Egret</div><div>Little Egret</div><div>Cattle Egret</div><div>Striated Heron</div><div>Black-winged Kite</div><div>Crested Honey-buzzard</div><div>Black Baza</div><div>Crested Serpent-Eagle</div><div>Grey-faced Buzzard</div><div>Crested Goshawk</div><div>Shikra</div><div>Asian Barred Owlet</div><div>Eurasian Hoopoe</div><div>White-throated Kingfisher</div><div>Blue-bearded Bee-eater</div><div>Green Bee-eater</div><div>Blue-tailed Bee-eater</div><div>Chestnut-headed Bee-eater</div><div>Indochinese Roller</div><div>Coppersmith Barbet</div><div>Green-eared Barbet</div><div>Lineated Barbet</div><div>Black-naped Oriole</div><div>Black-hooded Oriole</div><div>Ashy Woodswallow</div><div>Common Iora</div><div>Great Iora</div><div>Malaysian Pied-Fantail</div><div>Black Drongo</div><div>Ashy Drongo</div><div>Bronzed Drongo</div><div>Hair-crested Drongo</div><div>Greater Racket-tailed Drongo</div><div>Black-naped Monarch</div><div>Brown Shrike</div><div>Racket-tailed Treepie</div><div>Large-billed Crow</div><div>Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher</div><div>Common Tailorbird</div><div>Dark-necked Tailorbird</div><div>Thick-billed Warbler</div><div>Barn Swallow</div><div>Striated Swallow</div><div>Black-crested Bulbul</div><div>Red-whiskered Bulbul</div><div>Sooty-headed Bulbul</div><div>Stripe-throated Bulbul</div><div>Yellow-vented Bulbul</div><div>Streak-eared Bulbul</div><div>Yellow-browed Warbler</div><div>Dusky Warbler</div><div>Two-barred Warbler</div><div>Yellow-bellied Warbler</div><div>Pin-striped Tit-Babbler</div><div>White-browed Scimitar-Babbler</div><div>Puff-throated Babbler</div><div>Variable Limestone Babbler</div><div>Black-collared Starling</div><div>Asian Pied Starling</div><div>Chestnut-tailed Starling</div><div>Common Myna</div><div>Great Myna</div><div>Asian Brown Flycatcher</div><div>Oriental Magpie-Robin</div><div>White-rumped Shama</div><div>Hill Blue Flycatcher</div><div>Indochinese Blue Flycatcher</div><div>Verditer Flycatcher</div><div>Blue Whistling-Thrush</div><div>Taiga Flycatcher</div><div>Blue Rock Thrush</div><div>Amur Stonechat</div><div>Thick-billed Flowerpecker</div><div>Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker</div><div>Ruby-cheeked Sunbird</div><div>Purple Sunbird</div><div>Olive-backed Sunbird</div><div>Blue-winged Leafbird</div><div>Scaly-breasted Munia</div><div>White-rumped Munia</div><div>Pin-tailed Parrotfinch</div><div>Eurasian Tree Sparrow</div><div>Grey Wagtail</div><div>Paddyfield Pipit</div><div><br /></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-26601949579625081312020-02-01T16:00:00.005+00:002021-02-10T14:06:41.616+00:00Huế<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXJA4al8lselk5_on4rKdYjpKeI5-d1d0SdSd4jlDWcZwjnkxkg7zbgGoSUVNC-k2Yu9Hzxdt0K9NJUNAWedmNkThpzfT1_fQolArOPfClGlRzU48TsEBZTc695_U_2E1pV99/s1280/train.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXJA4al8lselk5_on4rKdYjpKeI5-d1d0SdSd4jlDWcZwjnkxkg7zbgGoSUVNC-k2Yu9Hzxdt0K9NJUNAWedmNkThpzfT1_fQolArOPfClGlRzU48TsEBZTc695_U_2E1pV99/s320/train.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Took the journey to Huế from Hoi An by train via Da Nang; a comfortable, scenic 3 hour ride in pretty poor weather and the only birds to show were not identifiable from the train. Greeted on arrival at Huế station by cartel taxis wanting ₫200,000 (about £7 for less than 2km along a dead straight road) so we walked the 25 minutes in increasing rain and arrived at the hotel like drowned rats. Perhaps that's why the staff were a bit miserable but it was more likely because the boss wasn't around and they are just like that. Took a while to persuade them to a) clean the room and b) provide us with more than a single duvet! Welcome to Huế!<p></p><p>Otherwise the room was cheap, very comfortable and high up with a superb view across the Perfume River to the Imperial City on the other side. Met up once again with Phil & Carol who had travelled ahead of us and were leaving to push further north the following day. Ate at an excellent Indian restaurant and the following evening at the Indonesian next door to it. Both were a massive improvement on the rather unimaginative Vietnamese food we'd had most of the time so far.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY35RbdQYKjkygbcoZKMIRYuW4FzanJhGhZUqRbjEAm2o5gF20UbSp0R_HOUWa70qwLE9pwd4DWJz80UBGyM8vL46gn9t3GnCi_UtNN0c7Z9dXdiYiFQ5XcAfgultkTEEflJI-/s835/daurian_redstart_31jan20_800s_4063.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="835" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY35RbdQYKjkygbcoZKMIRYuW4FzanJhGhZUqRbjEAm2o5gF20UbSp0R_HOUWa70qwLE9pwd4DWJz80UBGyM8vL46gn9t3GnCi_UtNN0c7Z9dXdiYiFQ5XcAfgultkTEEflJI-/s320/daurian_redstart_31jan20_800s_4063.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daurian Redstart <i>Phoenicurus auroreus</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Main attraction here was UNESCO World Heritage site number 75 for me, the extensive Imperial City, much of which had miraculously survived the worst ravages of the war. Well worth the ₫200,000 entry fee and, with large gardens, excellent for wildlife. I found <b>Chinese Blackbird</b> and <b>Daurian Redstart</b> here, both lifers, my American counterpart who visited a day later also found Japanese Thrush and I had an Orange-headed Thrush here so it's well worth digging around in the more unkempt margins of the complex looking for birds. The NE corner with its large Black-crowned Night Heron colony and the gardens just south of that were the best.<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaI_uwv4GKTF0SIhvljtAQ0CA6grwUuCV7xxNONtPQ9FYBNQyMGjkWtBk6G6dyZ1ray9VedYnrUQ0bgu3aSKL78jWXPn8OLUDabluB49bcqBZU6CUhmYf2KwO7r-jgsmAZris/s1064/chinese_blackbird_31jan20_1024l_4092.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1064" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaI_uwv4GKTF0SIhvljtAQ0CA6grwUuCV7xxNONtPQ9FYBNQyMGjkWtBk6G6dyZ1ray9VedYnrUQ0bgu3aSKL78jWXPn8OLUDabluB49bcqBZU6CUhmYf2KwO7r-jgsmAZris/s320/chinese_blackbird_31jan20_1024l_4092.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Blackbird <i>Turdus mandarinus</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Other birds included Common and White-throated Kingfishers, White-breasted Waterhen, Dusky and Yellow-browed Warblers, Brown Shrike, Red-breasted Parakeets (12 about), Plaintive Cuckoo, Swinhoe's White-eye, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Stejneger's Stonechat and Grey Wagtail. Just outside the city walls found a male philippensis Blue Rock Thrush.<p><br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUMgfpd9KO5E-XeMhV67RP7wbyj6_JvSJRCO0hPOlSgIDbDZiFVcs9LR2tKWGEGxzh3UAfc_qbDbGQo3GNKLapDiWxZ4wnpUTm_qOsvfV3cKhlgUUxkQK72aMR_PrEQaEPqC_/s842/black-crowned_night-heron_31jan20_800s_4103.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUMgfpd9KO5E-XeMhV67RP7wbyj6_JvSJRCO0hPOlSgIDbDZiFVcs9LR2tKWGEGxzh3UAfc_qbDbGQo3GNKLapDiWxZ4wnpUTm_qOsvfV3cKhlgUUxkQK72aMR_PrEQaEPqC_/s320/black-crowned_night-heron_31jan20_800s_4103.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-crowned Night Heron <i>Nycticorax nycticorax</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGzE2c0qUqqB1kFdlijk_97XWrX44BGjd0pDHshv3B0znS6RevLX0ul05fz6bpniNXMXvK5zPg8thZ3R7bMsu73e3BYiUCYtmPxbPQwjYau2yiZdh-cF1lZpNWO4yN4slCWsK/s1064/common_kingfisher_31jan20_1024l_4079.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1064" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGzE2c0qUqqB1kFdlijk_97XWrX44BGjd0pDHshv3B0znS6RevLX0ul05fz6bpniNXMXvK5zPg8thZ3R7bMsu73e3BYiUCYtmPxbPQwjYau2yiZdh-cF1lZpNWO4yN4slCWsK/s320/common_kingfisher_31jan20_1024l_4079.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Kingfisher <i>Alcedo atthis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNnhvcJWxiy0lOzMKJ1vKt4rgpA2hNRMZMSHThcfozzu7nAACG9oQvw5hmRD4MTf2z2XMmDVVKghIrxfBvz5ldwaXvGRPrg65fD-M15UFzLqSic4uK3B2IvCWycoN_AdmwPPe/s1064/white-throated_kingfisher_31jan20_1024l_4094.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1064" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNnhvcJWxiy0lOzMKJ1vKt4rgpA2hNRMZMSHThcfozzu7nAACG9oQvw5hmRD4MTf2z2XMmDVVKghIrxfBvz5ldwaXvGRPrg65fD-M15UFzLqSic4uK3B2IvCWycoN_AdmwPPe/s320/white-throated_kingfisher_31jan20_1024l_4094.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-throated Kingfisher <i>Halcyon smyrnensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The Imperial City</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoZvdFi4cBMPFujV-RC9dboh_W4oYZ2zHVpG6pps_xT1O2SrpAN5NlksKH9d2B9tTtwP2gONYbUSY9N6FHwEGSRuKHvHJJdSRthhifC5-oml6Iy2ky_YusfvxBejfhrerwTAV/s1200/imperial_city_hue_31jan20_1200w_4116.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoZvdFi4cBMPFujV-RC9dboh_W4oYZ2zHVpG6pps_xT1O2SrpAN5NlksKH9d2B9tTtwP2gONYbUSY9N6FHwEGSRuKHvHJJdSRthhifC5-oml6Iy2ky_YusfvxBejfhrerwTAV/s320/imperial_city_hue_31jan20_1200w_4116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjG5YpP6hliFsfIPerAPW-Dmp-uwjeYvae01l5oXPPC_Ipf9Fiy7TmNj51iTt0OlgEmOlnPTJOVTccQcsOh-nUtk_xHST_a3TdIXsNtgOQWW-CfLFS0b55UKKT0pMvytoxRCY/s1024/imperial_city_hue_31jan20_1024l_4120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjG5YpP6hliFsfIPerAPW-Dmp-uwjeYvae01l5oXPPC_Ipf9Fiy7TmNj51iTt0OlgEmOlnPTJOVTccQcsOh-nUtk_xHST_a3TdIXsNtgOQWW-CfLFS0b55UKKT0pMvytoxRCY/s320/imperial_city_hue_31jan20_1024l_4120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wuOmMKRRaF9fSbGXWKF4-Mvxtu7U9VEeZNgTnreXFDSfmJQXgkznkNLU0ptBP4umbtWZLFQPSx8c8-Kul9TtH5x3ToFFK5wEOBf_HpaKWId9fLufsOJevPtBZE4MZTYsPaGm/s800/imperial_city_hue_31jan20_800s_4087.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wuOmMKRRaF9fSbGXWKF4-Mvxtu7U9VEeZNgTnreXFDSfmJQXgkznkNLU0ptBP4umbtWZLFQPSx8c8-Kul9TtH5x3ToFFK5wEOBf_HpaKWId9fLufsOJevPtBZE4MZTYsPaGm/s320/imperial_city_hue_31jan20_800s_4087.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlTXAZaPuOBoyhtjSXZMLNLJ2shwx2rGKrWoT28noNPYzBwT-Q0-vyNI5pkTDZhz2zE41mpxqcqGmLUM66hAfm6ZPDtDbIPn7RzqSUsL1tM6VWPvl5QwxjWANJjyTS-kGINxp/s1280/imperial+city+7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlTXAZaPuOBoyhtjSXZMLNLJ2shwx2rGKrWoT28noNPYzBwT-Q0-vyNI5pkTDZhz2zE41mpxqcqGmLUM66hAfm6ZPDtDbIPn7RzqSUsL1tM6VWPvl5QwxjWANJjyTS-kGINxp/s320/imperial+city+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK5WC4svE2af0ZiWXEV5e1NR7Ut3ofWTRHIM7FRX4tVFv4-1ZQdw81iOcjKgmlSUDwG4usEKPb-ZYrBTgu9IMIZi7v3gaSew8zVKPxEZBbpKq3tOba1yfikh0pC8Xwn_4EBo5/s1280/imperial+city+5%2523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK5WC4svE2af0ZiWXEV5e1NR7Ut3ofWTRHIM7FRX4tVFv4-1ZQdw81iOcjKgmlSUDwG4usEKPb-ZYrBTgu9IMIZi7v3gaSew8zVKPxEZBbpKq3tOba1yfikh0pC8Xwn_4EBo5/s320/imperial+city+5%2523.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH5HQ5jHDUqBLT1M7lxaG4Axd0moToYGhu_rPAswHK1C0z3U9rFVNnv75B9zCPl1qVuWTNMahw35Z-_MdPJpTSpUnbz8o0dsvIrqCHMbScSWAje8byCQCTbz-6O1zOGT7p0Td/s1280/imperial+city+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH5HQ5jHDUqBLT1M7lxaG4Axd0moToYGhu_rPAswHK1C0z3U9rFVNnv75B9zCPl1qVuWTNMahw35Z-_MdPJpTSpUnbz8o0dsvIrqCHMbScSWAje8byCQCTbz-6O1zOGT7p0Td/s320/imperial+city+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Just 37 species seen in a couple of days in the city but 2 lifers.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Rock Dove<br />Zebra Dove<br />Greater Coucal<br />Plaintive Cuckoo<br />Germain's Swiftlet<br />Common Moorhen<br />White-breasted Waterhen<br />Black-crowned Night-Heron<br />Common Kingfisher<br />White-throated Kingfisher<br />Lineated Barbet<br />Peregrine Falcon<br />Red-breasted Parakeet<br />Common Iora<br />Brown Shrike<br />Large-billed Crow<br />Common Tailorbird<br />Barn Swallow<br />Red-whiskered Bulbul<br />Yellow-browed Warbler<br />Dusky Warbler<br />Swinhoe's White-eye<br />Great Myna<br />Orange-headed Thrush<br />Chinese Blackbird<br />Asian Brown Flycatcher<br />Oriental Magpie-Robin<br />Taiga Flycatcher<br />Daurian Redstart<br />Blue Rock Thrush<br />Siberian Stonechat<br />Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker<br />Eurasian Tree Sparrow<br />Grey Wagtail<br />Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail<br />Paddyfield Pipit<br />Olive-backed Pipit</span></div><div><br /></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-79092950809409671642020-01-29T16:00:00.021+00:002021-02-10T16:50:31.894+00:00Nha Trang, Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc488NhpU28HhrmjH7qRreF_U3ruyEY79KzeFPlwhfiaoCmDiua4yfOqgGjAr3bW1qG0miQp5jhYJ4GH9D_V_zCvNN6qMQyOs8kXhl8OTRibDvg4bQfMX5rwR5LlMoBqXBkR7X/s3528/Nah+Trang.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="3528" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc488NhpU28HhrmjH7qRreF_U3ruyEY79KzeFPlwhfiaoCmDiua4yfOqgGjAr3bW1qG0miQp5jhYJ4GH9D_V_zCvNN6qMQyOs8kXhl8OTRibDvg4bQfMX5rwR5LlMoBqXBkR7X/w400-h101/Nah+Trang.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The 22-23rd January were travelling days. With our travelling companions Carol & Phil we took a taxi into Dalat and caught another day sleeping bus on the slightly queasy, but extremely scenic winding mountain road to Nha Trang, taking a little over three hours. There we parted company again as they were flying on north, but we were to fulfil another dream and take the sleeper train. Sometimes unavoidable but we prefer not to use air travel where ever possible. We dropped off our luggage at the station and took a taxi to the beach to await the evening departure. Birdlife was sparse both on the journey and at the coast.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxt0ijn_D5YVeI_oQRpMVDXx7fjwhNUKUCJ35gwVlTGMnh6KwuJQ_IsruC3_hq1XLbMgzT5ejk-IIKGhZmKC6w6e1orE1i59EREfnX38vt8YwTcSvk_dbNa_iB6DB6LJIl_ok/s1280/sleeper+2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxt0ijn_D5YVeI_oQRpMVDXx7fjwhNUKUCJ35gwVlTGMnh6KwuJQ_IsruC3_hq1XLbMgzT5ejk-IIKGhZmKC6w6e1orE1i59EREfnX38vt8YwTcSvk_dbNa_iB6DB6LJIl_ok/w200-h150/sleeper+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>News of the virus sweeping Wuhan in China had been reaching us for a while now and from now on it would be ever present in our minds. This was the first time we were temperature checked and masks were becoming ever more prevalent. The packed train left at around 8pm and we were sharing a 6 berth compartment with a young family who soon settled down and we had a pretty good night.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD5yk8189drPFtiErxToCD94N3VcxNgZ9x3cvlRqy4k8kV9Z_TOd9wF6Lm9P1-wv2ldcs-Yu3AzbTc7Bw9-WVVVw2zYFKH7ah1w_ssFjveflYMPTrl6X2s_S3yOSOgHVHLslK/s892/red-billed_starling_25jan20_768s_3987.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="892" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD5yk8189drPFtiErxToCD94N3VcxNgZ9x3cvlRqy4k8kV9Z_TOd9wF6Lm9P1-wv2ldcs-Yu3AzbTc7Bw9-WVVVw2zYFKH7ah1w_ssFjveflYMPTrl6X2s_S3yOSOgHVHLslK/s320/red-billed_starling_25jan20_768s_3987.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-billed Starling <i>Sturnus sericeus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A 6:30am arrival in Da Nang meant plenty of time to find a cafe and have a leisurely breakfast before sharing a cab with a couple from Denmark for the 45 minute drive to the historic city of Hoi An. It was still quite early so we dropped off bags at the hotel and went to explore the old town. Among the old building and small parks were the odd Plaintive Cuckoo, Blue Rock Thrush, Asian Brown Flycatcher and a small flock of <b>Red-billed Starlings</b>, with the usual Coppersmith Barbets, Red Collared Doves, Common Tailorbirds, Scarlet-backed Flowerpeckers, Barn Swallows, Tree Sparrows and Grey Wagtail.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jbZOifS-aU4x3Jxz6jKYY40l24frtgTTFj9ORiWrFlAqOVPfJ-0tljB108oQtBFfZTh1qwQQAqe2Jn4EhIv2UjHOwMcw_TCtdb1mYYI21jQF8gvKtwptzHGHNL-_Vl_tNLuA/s1024/blue_rock_thrush_28jan20_1024l_4030.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jbZOifS-aU4x3Jxz6jKYY40l24frtgTTFj9ORiWrFlAqOVPfJ-0tljB108oQtBFfZTh1qwQQAqe2Jn4EhIv2UjHOwMcw_TCtdb1mYYI21jQF8gvKtwptzHGHNL-_Vl_tNLuA/s320/blue_rock_thrush_28jan20_1024l_4030.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Rock Thrush <i>Monticola solitarius</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvr6HW7F_GV9nBPoGuflAU-8bBsh_vzEFE2BmYP8WOln_lJrIhIlfraMd61qIvHfboLE_dtLJ2KzdRKAFQIhCgPzS7gI_b61V-sBviuzNJY9m7r8YIJz55RYoEfC8aKAEBZuOc/s1280/Chinese+New+Year+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvr6HW7F_GV9nBPoGuflAU-8bBsh_vzEFE2BmYP8WOln_lJrIhIlfraMd61qIvHfboLE_dtLJ2KzdRKAFQIhCgPzS7gI_b61V-sBviuzNJY9m7r8YIJz55RYoEfC8aKAEBZuOc/s320/Chinese+New+Year+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYwGSTGUmalOTmsZY9EJcCJ28ECKr84eOUkC9uLq4k6EXwnYsbMN68a4jTzJJ_WaC9vyHCiSyzw3ItzQz6oYkyCtyKu8BRTthBSCr4sRvE-d4hxQ7hpAF4k2NYugHcBwj4uSw/s1280/lanterns1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYwGSTGUmalOTmsZY9EJcCJ28ECKr84eOUkC9uLq4k6EXwnYsbMN68a4jTzJJ_WaC9vyHCiSyzw3ItzQz6oYkyCtyKu8BRTthBSCr4sRvE-d4hxQ7hpAF4k2NYugHcBwj4uSw/s320/lanterns1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53fy8LXtg0Nd_V4-224MvVUzXfPesbvJPZwTKS60otNqlHQfvNuJWN-4LtA4KdUmURZBQvItJI761lhX23__nVLbRlEyTzCuG70vdYHm1uMjjyzIn7s3htkfGBcut-yRtMFi3/s1280/Japanese+bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53fy8LXtg0Nd_V4-224MvVUzXfPesbvJPZwTKS60otNqlHQfvNuJWN-4LtA4KdUmURZBQvItJI761lhX23__nVLbRlEyTzCuG70vdYHm1uMjjyzIn7s3htkfGBcut-yRtMFi3/s320/Japanese+bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSeiOUKUeymjAfegkTrEFf69CDtk8QmmOKMjpACrosQHXIg2UL4edF-bw10vrRP0G5cm3QSl0-Uyry-gKtXmJRuzbYQj43o77pXH5TLErkOVLxP1SJxBBe8NDY_y9_YKLvHF5/s1280/Chinese+New+Year+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSeiOUKUeymjAfegkTrEFf69CDtk8QmmOKMjpACrosQHXIg2UL4edF-bw10vrRP0G5cm3QSl0-Uyry-gKtXmJRuzbYQj43o77pXH5TLErkOVLxP1SJxBBe8NDY_y9_YKLvHF5/s320/Chinese+New+Year+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIQESgBdGjg-3MKRVMMI4l8pVJIes9spQut_o-GQOaYm4klddS7unNxxzJ7B-5nrhL9jki579ajNCSOFqLgaT9WlnHbYu8-aFFtw1alIcHnuB3izSkAMPjE2RYFxFE5kGdV0R/s1280/Chinese+New+Year+1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIQESgBdGjg-3MKRVMMI4l8pVJIes9spQut_o-GQOaYm4klddS7unNxxzJ7B-5nrhL9jki579ajNCSOFqLgaT9WlnHbYu8-aFFtw1alIcHnuB3izSkAMPjE2RYFxFE5kGdV0R/s320/Chinese+New+Year+1.jpg" /></a></div>We liked Hoi An a lot and stayed a full week, much of it in the company of Phil & Carol, right through the impressive Chinese New Year celebrations. There were two main areas of interest from a wildlife point of view. The first a small patch of dune habitat and farmland across a frankly alarming metal scooter bridge on the northern edge of Cam Kim island south of the town and a region of rice paddies on the northern edge. There was a third area visited by an America birder I met but I failed to find a way past the security guard on the only entrance. It's an area partially cleared for development on the SW of the island of Cam Nam and he reported a 300 strong flock of Yellow-breasted Buntings there - probably international significant numbers! He also had Watercock and an Indian Nightjar here among other things and it was probably the best habitat close to the town. I recommend using a bicycle to reach all three areas.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkGTFJTtv2F-5DN3qTxb4uXnUw3HbfINacyDnqoAQbdEmlDNYuqVbqkzQ979q9n-joISdgN97dVJfq6eK4Tb0wvNAJlCkntuK38JLPYZTWzJIn4UDnE4MV3H3o11GqUFFAPKF/s1024/black-faced_bunting_24jan20_1024l_3903.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkGTFJTtv2F-5DN3qTxb4uXnUw3HbfINacyDnqoAQbdEmlDNYuqVbqkzQ979q9n-joISdgN97dVJfq6eK4Tb0wvNAJlCkntuK38JLPYZTWzJIn4UDnE4MV3H3o11GqUFFAPKF/s320/black-faced_bunting_24jan20_1024l_3903.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-faced Bunting <i>Emberiza spodocephala</i></td></tr></tbody></table>The Cau Cam Kim dunes were on an undeveloped finger just across the metal bridge and produced one of the best birds of the trip; a <b>Black-faced Bunting</b>. Tantalising views of a skulking Luscinia/Calliope turned out to be a Bluethroat. Other good birds here included Lesser Coucal, Racket-tailed Treepie, Yellow Bittern, Long-tailed Shrike and Stejneger's Stonechat. A Quail or Buttonquail species flushed from short grass here remained stubbornly impossible to relocate.<p></p><p><br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHQJCh08caGUi2aM8hC8PwNqg5-7sFrNUoxPaoHaarr385nKpWJ8kKqHghXdIjAY9G1KyyyF0FdwUvjsakedNWoaYXU5aL5ZfkL2ZIN3JEN0yJZkPnoHVXJWFPl0dEwY4888h/s640/bluethroat_24jan20_640l_3906.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHQJCh08caGUi2aM8hC8PwNqg5-7sFrNUoxPaoHaarr385nKpWJ8kKqHghXdIjAY9G1KyyyF0FdwUvjsakedNWoaYXU5aL5ZfkL2ZIN3JEN0yJZkPnoHVXJWFPl0dEwY4888h/s320/bluethroat_24jan20_640l_3906.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluethroat <i>Luscinia svecica</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmEGMFVGZEJSjnDf-A0ueMXGl1ATRi5Wd4PaI479UefHYCiu6onZ2cfx95P7eTKLBsasKLy8WCCKksJlVfnDobVOjaDlDJ-qTYF6MPBHF-ISgKEFCK8edOygRafQ27wTKSh_q/s800/lesser_coucal_24jan20_800l_3948.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmEGMFVGZEJSjnDf-A0ueMXGl1ATRi5Wd4PaI479UefHYCiu6onZ2cfx95P7eTKLBsasKLy8WCCKksJlVfnDobVOjaDlDJ-qTYF6MPBHF-ISgKEFCK8edOygRafQ27wTKSh_q/s320/lesser_coucal_24jan20_800l_3948.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Coucal <i>Centropus bengalensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWQDq3wo6Ywe04wcZPAxVLg-LU6hj1i02HwGF-4A0svh3RprmDpHt8lKcJ73ULyM2zhExHsYDtU59oKiqb4JFQetxLL0UfswmuT9zjFZ9OBCAE3Wbm0Kv3kjyUu4ymLOkOM3L/s768/long-tailed_shrike_24jan20_768p_3940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWQDq3wo6Ywe04wcZPAxVLg-LU6hj1i02HwGF-4A0svh3RprmDpHt8lKcJ73ULyM2zhExHsYDtU59oKiqb4JFQetxLL0UfswmuT9zjFZ9OBCAE3Wbm0Kv3kjyUu4ymLOkOM3L/s320/long-tailed_shrike_24jan20_768p_3940.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-tailed Shrike <i>Lanius schach</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqxLlyrp-FTVR_FWvsXQrXZAA3fz1xk7RxCy4gn4EdqiN4Hq5lSSsXrurpvbla-JlGteHO6DxnbynrDpL0f3OKI1vMJ1ATgbcclBH_632HEdg7P_6b2m8K9rL65DwOJxk2VhF/s640/white-browed_crake_26jan20_640s_3989.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="640" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqxLlyrp-FTVR_FWvsXQrXZAA3fz1xk7RxCy4gn4EdqiN4Hq5lSSsXrurpvbla-JlGteHO6DxnbynrDpL0f3OKI1vMJ1ATgbcclBH_632HEdg7P_6b2m8K9rL65DwOJxk2VhF/w200-h189/white-browed_crake_26jan20_640s_3989.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-browed Crake <i>Amaurornis cinerea</i></td></tr></tbody></table>The paddies were very active with many waterbirds. As well as the expected Yellow Bittern, Pond Herons and all four Egrets there were Pin-tailed Snipe, Little Ringed Plover, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, <b>White-browed Crake</b>, Racket-tailed Treepie, Black-browed Reed Warbler and with some effort managed to get brief views of the <b>Pallas' Grasshopper Warblers</b> wintering there but not the reported Lanceolated Warblers.<p></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJJcEkgL8sGSC4vg6xOnQ1UwFeMn0U-yVhGCy-Kc9sVSQxZG4VLkQP97j1Db2xONJCVEe4fHq6XO4u2cEyJWu24UaOi6M7r3VOS2SkWZjhcFZ-r9drfCbhlfJKUqIcoxD7V3x/s1280/My+Son+3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJJcEkgL8sGSC4vg6xOnQ1UwFeMn0U-yVhGCy-Kc9sVSQxZG4VLkQP97j1Db2xONJCVEe4fHq6XO4u2cEyJWu24UaOi6M7r3VOS2SkWZjhcFZ-r9drfCbhlfJKUqIcoxD7V3x/w150-h200/My+Son+3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>While there we took one organised excursion; a rare treat for budget travellers like us. We were bussed for just over an hour out to my 74th UNESCO World Heritage site; My Son Sanctuary (pronounced "mee son" to rhyme with "gone" as our effusive guide was at pains to point out). Occupied by the Champa Kingdom for about 1000 years (4th-14th century AD), at one time it was a complex of 70 Hindu temples but was mostly destroyed during one week of the Vietnam war.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdvRNESE2CZTp90NZl6wBv_zFuEIJhXi7jYSjG05xhJoXEPaY9yVCXlqEfCMlV5c0M9yBrbOf7CV4ae79wHwKIuYB_PTSnZAsxmtcEPnCh0jK6zsOx3Lw49QaWUeYq-06HMy6/s640/orange-headed_thrush_28jan20_4008.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdvRNESE2CZTp90NZl6wBv_zFuEIJhXi7jYSjG05xhJoXEPaY9yVCXlqEfCMlV5c0M9yBrbOf7CV4ae79wHwKIuYB_PTSnZAsxmtcEPnCh0jK6zsOx3Lw49QaWUeYq-06HMy6/w200-h134/orange-headed_thrush_28jan20_4008.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange-headed Thrush <i>Geokichla citrina</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Being well out in the countryside there was the potential for some good birding and sure enough I found an Orange-headed thrush almost straight away on a track close to the toilets near the entrance and got a terrible photo in the gloomy conditions. Unfortunately, despite having some time to explore away from the party, that was just about it apart from common birds. 2 Green-eared Barbets showing well and a couple of Swinhoe's White-eyes were just about the only things of note. By 1pm we had all been herded back on the bus for a half hour drive to a dock where we took a leisurely boat ride including a basic lunch. Another half hour along the river and we were back in the old town of Hoi An. Birdlife was also fairly limited on the river with some Grey Herons and Greenshanks providing the only distraction. A very wet day but actually not a bad trip, with a very entertaining guide, costing about £10 a head including the entry fee and lunch.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dvb1VlWM5QR9go2IfAw-BYWgk9UB7nYW_gb6lZve6XJwxLUGou4SGADByr7IjM-wyV23-9QGIvoJAYre0lUctHFtotEZLvMg-koL079NGRkmzMMazyaJQbh2zGyHlrwiGFcU/s1024/green-eared_barbet_29jan20_1024l_4024.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1024" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dvb1VlWM5QR9go2IfAw-BYWgk9UB7nYW_gb6lZve6XJwxLUGou4SGADByr7IjM-wyV23-9QGIvoJAYre0lUctHFtotEZLvMg-koL079NGRkmzMMazyaJQbh2zGyHlrwiGFcU/w320-h198/green-eared_barbet_29jan20_1024l_4024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green-eared Barbet <i>Megalaima faiostricta</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_GoKBKLXmg80xpXI1q_y7wNt7nrpQZ_eM3rxQ3IpOa-NFODxAIQKGRYT54uriz2AJ5rq0t0ybDSsV0uIgpf3KMQZyeX29kDaWoitn8xVn4IuhrbTRhv_k2TTWJ50SU2yPi0C/s768/yellow-bellied_prinia_24jan20_768p_3932.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_GoKBKLXmg80xpXI1q_y7wNt7nrpQZ_eM3rxQ3IpOa-NFODxAIQKGRYT54uriz2AJ5rq0t0ybDSsV0uIgpf3KMQZyeX29kDaWoitn8xVn4IuhrbTRhv_k2TTWJ50SU2yPi0C/s320/yellow-bellied_prinia_24jan20_768p_3932.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-bellied Prinia <i>Prinia flaviventris</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtP7WsEwDRMJCGYe1bhWsT4dDJTEs62PXjPB5Rjmels0-S2RWg1AXXnWTAFFTZIwRkAFZ_8jazInJ_33BEgamIcDrGD8IpTCRuvrO702L4Fv0edZygyUo3UT44OMW_zkELRCVV/s768/stejnegers_stonechat_24jan20_768p_3896.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="610" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtP7WsEwDRMJCGYe1bhWsT4dDJTEs62PXjPB5Rjmels0-S2RWg1AXXnWTAFFTZIwRkAFZ_8jazInJ_33BEgamIcDrGD8IpTCRuvrO702L4Fv0edZygyUo3UT44OMW_zkELRCVV/s320/stejnegers_stonechat_24jan20_768p_3896.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stejneger's Stonechat <i>Saxicola (maurus) stejnegeri</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0R8hQJUaFgVDv2eLc0NmVPpps-HA2QBn2QNq8mMoiEXVDwc52yoia7yH6FDw7pLifleW0723BnqhbaMWBYTIP4rkim0WAzNAQjxCTH_AeZxEBW3AFnBIZ75sthq0-qI-nFXZ/s1024/paddyfield_pipit_24jan20_1024l_3882.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0R8hQJUaFgVDv2eLc0NmVPpps-HA2QBn2QNq8mMoiEXVDwc52yoia7yH6FDw7pLifleW0723BnqhbaMWBYTIP4rkim0WAzNAQjxCTH_AeZxEBW3AFnBIZ75sthq0-qI-nFXZ/s320/paddyfield_pipit_24jan20_1024l_3882.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddyfield Pipit <i>Anthus rufulus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The total combined list for this week came to 59 species including four lifers.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Rock Dove<br />Red Collared Dove<br />Spotted Dove<br />Zebra Dove<br />Greater Coucal<br />Lesser Coucal<br />Plaintive Cuckoo<br />Germain's Swiftlet<br />Asian Palm-Swift<br />White-browed Crake<br />Black-winged Stilt<br />Little Ringed Plover<br />Pin-tailed Snipe<br />Common Sandpiper<br />Common Greenshank<br />Wood Sandpiper<br />Yellow Bittern<br />Grey Heron<br />Great White Egret<br />Intermediate Egret<br />Little Egret<br />Cattle Egret<br />Chinese Pond Heron<br />White-throated Kingfisher<br />Green Bee-eater<br />Coppersmith Barbet<br />Green-eared Barbet<br />Common Iora<br />Black Drongo<br />Brown Shrike<br />Long-tailed Shrike<br />Racket-tailed Treepie<br />Common Tailorbird<br />Yellow-bellied Prinia<br />Plain Prinia<br />Zitting Cisticola<br />Black-browed Reed Warbler<br />Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler<br />Barn Swallow<br />Sooty-headed Bulbul<br />Stripe-throated Bulbul<br />Streak-eared Bulbul<br />Yellow-browed Warbler<br />Dusky Warbler<br />Swinhoe's White-eye<br />Red-billed Starling<br />Orange-headed Thrush<br />Asian Brown Flycatcher<br />Oriental Magpie-Robin<br />Bluethroat<br />Blue Rock Thrush<br />Siberian Stonechat<br />Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker<br />Scaly-breasted Munia<br />House Sparrow<br />Eurasian Tree Sparrow<br />Grey Wagtail<br />Paddyfield Pipit<br />Black-faced Bunting</span></div></div><br /></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-54396601704079638742020-01-22T22:00:00.281+00:002021-02-03T19:59:29.215+00:00Dalat and Tuyen Lam Lake<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzwg2KsHEWUhBc4WohYKBfsXZqLyrk4nd8f7OzZPF4sP3pYgr6vA7vN1Q_C1H7nZxPyd1DcrxYJ30fFuvoD9cQj22SdPm_yeY0xOyAkotgU6Jr25oNns8Xo4iN5QmijUvTljc/s768/verditer_flycatcher_19jan20_768p_3700.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="636" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzwg2KsHEWUhBc4WohYKBfsXZqLyrk4nd8f7OzZPF4sP3pYgr6vA7vN1Q_C1H7nZxPyd1DcrxYJ30fFuvoD9cQj22SdPm_yeY0xOyAkotgU6Jr25oNns8Xo4iN5QmijUvTljc/w166-h200/verditer_flycatcher_19jan20_768p_3700.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verditer Flycatcher <i>Eumyias thalassinus</i></td></tr></tbody></table>If we were going to see any more of Vietnam we were going to have to leave Cat Tien so we tore ourselves away and took a 4 hour daytime sleeper bus north to the highland town of Dalat, then a taxi to Tuyen Lam lake. Our accommodation here was ludicrously cheap but ridiculously plush in a newly built villa on one of the many developments scattered around the lake. Several of these had been abandoned leaving unfinished shells nestled in the surrounding forest and others, like this one were still under construction. There were no shops here, no public transport and only a handful of restaurants.<div><br /><div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfCEAkrENf9tnW683g1vCKjMMlgEFyc2_7t48ykmcKr9rMX_by4QBasEnAfs_K3RWZi60Ff3orVKw2Cn240UUNuThC3O77-ZHlBvxPXX5j4waHYovAUJkPo-Vf_AAc1gjB4mk/s912/grey_bushchat_fem_19jan20_768s_3745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="912" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfCEAkrENf9tnW683g1vCKjMMlgEFyc2_7t48ykmcKr9rMX_by4QBasEnAfs_K3RWZi60Ff3orVKw2Cn240UUNuThC3O77-ZHlBvxPXX5j4waHYovAUJkPo-Vf_AAc1gjB4mk/s320/grey_bushchat_fem_19jan20_768s_3745.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Bushchat (female) <i>Saxicola ferreus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnzWnaSAmlfGUlNkyRRlIPHuXjk2pNugRnySREz_jfw02ndNqvtjaNN2eG5WFnEkNeBp1pBfL9XjvQ1nT3Uz7K_YbOnR4ieSAMrSssgNVv-YoPO8HfpJUrrF1a7jPzddH6poY/s768/burmese_shrike_19jan20_768p_3687.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="636" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnzWnaSAmlfGUlNkyRRlIPHuXjk2pNugRnySREz_jfw02ndNqvtjaNN2eG5WFnEkNeBp1pBfL9XjvQ1nT3Uz7K_YbOnR4ieSAMrSssgNVv-YoPO8HfpJUrrF1a7jPzddH6poY/w166-h200/burmese_shrike_19jan20_768p_3687.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burmese Shrike <i>Lanius collurioides</i></td></tr></tbody></table>I always like to get out to explore as soon as I hit a new location and there was plenty to see in a short walk from the resort including three lifers: <b>Green-backed Tit</b> (one of several Great Tit lookalikes from the region), <b>Hill Prinias</b> (fairly common) and at least 4 <b>Vietnamese Greenfinches</b> (which remained elusive after this first encounter). Burmese Shrike, Grey Bushchat, Verditer Flycatchers and only my second ever Mugimaki Flycatchers were also good.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRI8_mxFoNZ1-ZSg6VFD_nYPJF7HyZi0PYhyphenhyphenze0rdw8spgAn9iI93K2eWIAsJMLqSf5dHx4hT8gEBoaZYoaMAtxxzOczIzf6wWPZMadYnsKefrHVN3COHNYwwsH6p6elyemLM/s960/vietnamese_greenfinch_phil.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRI8_mxFoNZ1-ZSg6VFD_nYPJF7HyZi0PYhyphenhyphenze0rdw8spgAn9iI93K2eWIAsJMLqSf5dHx4hT8gEBoaZYoaMAtxxzOczIzf6wWPZMadYnsKefrHVN3COHNYwwsH6p6elyemLM/s320/vietnamese_greenfinch_phil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vietnamese Greenfinch <i>Chloris monguilloti </i>(photo by Phil Hall)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><p></p><p></p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCkU7wJQNFLJXJLRGRrRp0LmcJBTxvS9u624M0qhyphenhyphenSIdheyiRkgw8drxrCVArMPHn3VKM7gy-Zc0Ro619XyD_tf8YDWXrglnQMCCBiYMrdEDwYzFH4LSdn4jRg9XhIEk3iefD/s1024/mugimaki_flycatcher_fem_19jan20_1024l_3734.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCkU7wJQNFLJXJLRGRrRp0LmcJBTxvS9u624M0qhyphenhyphenSIdheyiRkgw8drxrCVArMPHn3VKM7gy-Zc0Ro619XyD_tf8YDWXrglnQMCCBiYMrdEDwYzFH4LSdn4jRg9XhIEk3iefD/s320/mugimaki_flycatcher_fem_19jan20_1024l_3734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mugimaki Flycatcher <i>Ficedula mugimaki</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Although the lake itself did not hold a great deal of interest, it was clear there was some very good habitat within easy reach of the guest house and I spent as much time as I could over the three days in the wooded hillsides and valleys on the east side. The best area was the top of a valley south of a hill marked Đồi Thánh Giá on Google maps (see <a href="https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1118680" target="_blank">this eBird hotspot</a>). Although penetrating further down into this valley would have yielded more species, there was plenty to be going on with on a short visit closer to the top.<p></p><p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnhhyphenhyphenS502Sft0QR3xyhEblt-2aLTi9UQFkMXPO2hfgCvuPmgYqGIctDuGvUeIuaQHdRtJXTH_Qgb9nVMMX4t2IA1Nl5PbLeBk2Z9sttxzD09UDD4kaA9sUDZRuDoDhyphenhyphenCUzjE_/s786/barred_cuckoo-dove_22jan20_768s_3855.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="786" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnhhyphenhyphenS502Sft0QR3xyhEblt-2aLTi9UQFkMXPO2hfgCvuPmgYqGIctDuGvUeIuaQHdRtJXTH_Qgb9nVMMX4t2IA1Nl5PbLeBk2Z9sttxzD09UDD4kaA9sUDZRuDoDhyphenhyphenCUzjE_/w200-h196/barred_cuckoo-dove_22jan20_768s_3855.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barred Cuckoo-dove <i>Macropygia unchall</i></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Barred Cuckoo-dove</b> showed well occasionally but <b>Banded Bay Cuckoo</b> was heard only. <b>Indochinese Barbets</b> were abundant and heard continuously. Grey-capped Woodpecker, the Black-naped form of Grey-headed Woodpecker and Lesser Yellownape, Scarlet and Grey-chinned Minivets, <b>Slender-billed Oriole</b>, Large Woodshrike, <b>Indochinese Cuckooshrike</b> and Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike all showed from time to time. Black-crested and Sooty-headed Bulbuls were common but <b>Flavescent Bulbul</b> and <b>Ashy Bulbul</b> less so. A flock of Black Bulbuls feeding in a flowering tree were often joined by Eye-browed Thrushes and Hair-crested Drongos.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbsZtfVbgOE6cNecQggjg7ptTZkVuSw1P-9NySh85ti2k4dx2HGBr5won8PbdjoELeet4pOAaCuTevEJ9SIfhWVgsyTJOFWtoN1puWrl4PwjNfd0q5JVOtzxeEiDJoCewYRt7/s800/ashy_bulbul_20jan20_800l_3798.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbsZtfVbgOE6cNecQggjg7ptTZkVuSw1P-9NySh85ti2k4dx2HGBr5won8PbdjoELeet4pOAaCuTevEJ9SIfhWVgsyTJOFWtoN1puWrl4PwjNfd0q5JVOtzxeEiDJoCewYRt7/s320/ashy_bulbul_20jan20_800l_3798.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashy Bulbul <i>Hemixos flavala</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsRcNhcw6mSomq4JSQ4wPUVgKqGwbTOvv87Lb7d0Y_o7WnCH7RHs4h7wGBGaCOgih2JcvbEpJe1H4NvCP-PH9rDIeQQV0qTL3zJOD63dTXVrBeN1WLDdh-NpFvJErW1hP8I3m/s807/bar-winged_flycatcher_shrike_20jan20_768s_3791.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="807" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsRcNhcw6mSomq4JSQ4wPUVgKqGwbTOvv87Lb7d0Y_o7WnCH7RHs4h7wGBGaCOgih2JcvbEpJe1H4NvCP-PH9rDIeQQV0qTL3zJOD63dTXVrBeN1WLDdh-NpFvJErW1hP8I3m/s320/bar-winged_flycatcher_shrike_20jan20_768s_3791.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike <i>Hemipus picatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0U0UjxQ-Syxv8vAwfLxFVVLNGl1A9ucUq7BNogLE-WzguB1s36mvLi1dvWruFN32MK3yW2Ha-tmvhsKUWmrO9LCUda8jxXhW_z1vqR2Q4Pz5nMEX0vjI2ZpG6YQrklRNNEeRV/s1024/black_bulbuls_20jan20_1024w_3811.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0U0UjxQ-Syxv8vAwfLxFVVLNGl1A9ucUq7BNogLE-WzguB1s36mvLi1dvWruFN32MK3yW2Ha-tmvhsKUWmrO9LCUda8jxXhW_z1vqR2Q4Pz5nMEX0vjI2ZpG6YQrklRNNEeRV/s320/black_bulbuls_20jan20_1024w_3811.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bulbuls <i>Hypsipetes leucocephalus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfduFoxzpXIYq_cb8hTFTk0cjHspNu6b1Do36Pu4HY6Au2oCgl43kfVThz8emfP0sRmwTUGBcf9q5qbC8egQkCNsBTgD1hxlataJFTDvyikdjVvM04q1-o92rT5C241WnIS7SK/s800/grey-chinned_minivet_20jan20_800l_3838.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfduFoxzpXIYq_cb8hTFTk0cjHspNu6b1Do36Pu4HY6Au2oCgl43kfVThz8emfP0sRmwTUGBcf9q5qbC8egQkCNsBTgD1hxlataJFTDvyikdjVvM04q1-o92rT5C241WnIS7SK/s320/grey-chinned_minivet_20jan20_800l_3838.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey-chinned Minivet <i>Pericrocotus solaris</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLssxbZnBiQNM6UVdogAoL4cSxOWpargiYkRSjsArWZPoIYuPHqeQbjbJnlWMfyXFFLFAAIEPp2nuV2mz3Ykv_dzCt2MUNuSrlkduvdrcDZ6zEibyvp1vu-iL3T7cxccKChGk/s768/grey-headed_woodpecker_20jan20_768p_3765.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="555" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLssxbZnBiQNM6UVdogAoL4cSxOWpargiYkRSjsArWZPoIYuPHqeQbjbJnlWMfyXFFLFAAIEPp2nuV2mz3Ykv_dzCt2MUNuSrlkduvdrcDZ6zEibyvp1vu-iL3T7cxccKChGk/s320/grey-headed_woodpecker_20jan20_768p_3765.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey-capped (Pygmy) Woodpecker <i>Dendrocopos canicapillus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIt-6Q292tJYpaAZ7S5cLZDXFKQ-4Rn9z9u6GX3v8KJZY9C9dbv0r1BKTFH3QWm11Dj2jx9MwLH2dhyd6ASOT15MupVHQYPOjEUHEsqbMQdZ1vh86yN0UbodskukKQk6JV75V6/s640/grey-headed_woodpecker_22jan20_640p_3845.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIt-6Q292tJYpaAZ7S5cLZDXFKQ-4Rn9z9u6GX3v8KJZY9C9dbv0r1BKTFH3QWm11Dj2jx9MwLH2dhyd6ASOT15MupVHQYPOjEUHEsqbMQdZ1vh86yN0UbodskukKQk6JV75V6/s320/grey-headed_woodpecker_22jan20_640p_3845.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Black-naped) Grey-headed Woodpecker <i>Picus canus hessei</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHLmn9P5KjbIk7jDE7Gy5z7-zspa3wUrVWiLpkBjdnT6iSUOfCqeErj8Y4Fa-ZZ-bPsOTBff5mQORFwZFpvfPWLYctzZm_9vJ3BPIbeP0UWmz9NgUQZS2GvhMuu8Z6Gk2SOoy/s1024/scarlet_minivet_20jan20_1024l_3784.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHLmn9P5KjbIk7jDE7Gy5z7-zspa3wUrVWiLpkBjdnT6iSUOfCqeErj8Y4Fa-ZZ-bPsOTBff5mQORFwZFpvfPWLYctzZm_9vJ3BPIbeP0UWmz9NgUQZS2GvhMuu8Z6Gk2SOoy/s320/scarlet_minivet_20jan20_1024l_3784.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet Minivet (male) <i>Pericrocotus speciosus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcxiYkF5RV37NWkUbEHrPYT66c_xJFok1HwppPkxufTm0US9jyh9va5cAPZo7rsu9bNbRAyxogP8Z1gTLHyfY5jzgsgMZH9fL1c2s_FocA2B_k0uv8r3BVxALfqlplGFCgo3G/s768/scarlet_minivet_fem_20jan20_768p_3772.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="603" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcxiYkF5RV37NWkUbEHrPYT66c_xJFok1HwppPkxufTm0US9jyh9va5cAPZo7rsu9bNbRAyxogP8Z1gTLHyfY5jzgsgMZH9fL1c2s_FocA2B_k0uv8r3BVxALfqlplGFCgo3G/s320/scarlet_minivet_fem_20jan20_768p_3772.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet Minivet (female) <i>Pericrocotus speciosus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRUR-NU4N7Kbx7WTKPX3Ff_Vy-MSbADy7xSKXdFG96rCUpouL2ncSvBpaf_WzQ8SLtiDVCSvaV7p_BRABRpjcMKv3cUum0mISwLULK8j819XnTMN03AHTn6kBSkkL53muS2kl/s768/slender-billed_oriole_20jan20_768p_3750.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRUR-NU4N7Kbx7WTKPX3Ff_Vy-MSbADy7xSKXdFG96rCUpouL2ncSvBpaf_WzQ8SLtiDVCSvaV7p_BRABRpjcMKv3cUum0mISwLULK8j819XnTMN03AHTn6kBSkkL53muS2kl/s320/slender-billed_oriole_20jan20_768p_3750.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slender-billed Oriole <i>Oriolus tenuirostris</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpp_CJDj3Bzm69ajC7z_Nm7ZpfDyDtKQiwMVZvwRQZmW66oqMSfzd827v8IdMYrsGqGsPVAkyAQZrByv0rr-DKP0eQtMaKtc7WOZWta2iSqBavwSeC4-FbJPr1Ukn-vMAGmnWI/s800/white-cheeked_laughingthrush_22jan20_800l_3856.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpp_CJDj3Bzm69ajC7z_Nm7ZpfDyDtKQiwMVZvwRQZmW66oqMSfzd827v8IdMYrsGqGsPVAkyAQZrByv0rr-DKP0eQtMaKtc7WOZWta2iSqBavwSeC4-FbJPr1Ukn-vMAGmnWI/s320/white-cheeked_laughingthrush_22jan20_800l_3856.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-cheeked Laughingthrush <i>Garrulax vassali</i></td></tr></tbody></table>A noisy flock of <b>White-cheeked Laughingthrushes</b> showed a couple of times and the place was brightened up by colourful <b>Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers</b> and Mrs Gould's Sunbirds and the Grey-crowned form of the splendid <b>Black-throated Tit</b> (surely a candidate for a split given the isolated population and different morphology). The <b>Chestnut-vented Nuthatch</b> (ssp. grisiventris) here is also massively disconnected from the main population in the eastern Himalayas. Among the extremely numerous Yellow-browed Warblers, <b>Kloss' Warblers</b> were quite abundant and singing most of the time.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSUg3K08JQYcmI7za8lmw3yZkW-PKh1WFmff5yWg6V5X5KMzaq8c8rjC5zhZQ99cBYwo8_R9wtAeHCwh2QwwGD-pzbXMf2L24BSUqZUnYPM_k0bHyZ28ircbKdlsvFxJ1eB7i/s1024/yellow-browed_warbler_19jan20_1024l_3731.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1024" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSUg3K08JQYcmI7za8lmw3yZkW-PKh1WFmff5yWg6V5X5KMzaq8c8rjC5zhZQ99cBYwo8_R9wtAeHCwh2QwwGD-pzbXMf2L24BSUqZUnYPM_k0bHyZ28ircbKdlsvFxJ1eB7i/w200-h124/yellow-browed_warbler_19jan20_1024l_3731.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-browed Warbler <i>Phylloscopus inornatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table>We spent one day exploring Dalat town itself and the well-named "Crazy House" (which was far more fun that it should have been). We had White-shouldered Starlings and Burmese Shrike in the parks, a White-bellied Eagle over the large lake and Common Sandpiper and Chinese Pond Herons in the flower gardens.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5rQLmYS3O-0VFtfx7cPQPxtcU0unriiidxO97na3vHV9IBjhteIYsloaf8WVUfCP6jrfR_t1USyefBrg74As-iMQNX-VTHxCiMwVqOGxAzYGKjNzw1O_2Tm0cdRBp9tmn0dn/s1280/music.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5rQLmYS3O-0VFtfx7cPQPxtcU0unriiidxO97na3vHV9IBjhteIYsloaf8WVUfCP6jrfR_t1USyefBrg74As-iMQNX-VTHxCiMwVqOGxAzYGKjNzw1O_2Tm0cdRBp9tmn0dn/w200-h150/music.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />One evening we ate at the guest house opposite and ended up spending a fabulous evening playing music and singing with the French/Vietnamese family running it. A magically spontaneous evening which will be hard to forget.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This was a truly different place to go birding and I'd like to have spent longer exploring. In the end I recorded 66 species with 15 lifers.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Grebe<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Rock Dove<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Spotted Dove<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Barred Cuckoo-Dove<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Greater Coucal<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Banded Bay Cuckoo<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Germain's Swiftlet<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">House Swift<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Asian Palm-Swift<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Moorhen<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Sandpiper<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Little Egret<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Chinese Pond Heron<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Crested Honey-buzzard<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Crested Serpent-Eagle<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">White-bellied Sea-Eagle<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Hoopoe<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Kingfisher<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Indochinese Barbet<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey-capped Woodpecker<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Lesser Yellownape<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey-headed Woodpecker<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey-chinned Minivet<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Scarlet Minivet<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Indochinese Cuckooshrike<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Slender-billed Oriole<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Ashy Woodswallow<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Large Woodshrike<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">White-throated Fantail<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Ashy Drongo<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Hair-crested Drongo<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Burmese Shrike<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Jay<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Green-backed Tit<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Dark-necked Tailorbird<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Hill Prinia<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Barn Swallow<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Black-crested Bulbul<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Sooty-headed Bulbul<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Flavescent Bulbul<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Black Bulbul<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Ashy Bulbul<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Yellow-browed Warbler<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Dusky Warbler<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Kloss's Leaf Warbler<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Black-throated Tit<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Swinhoe's White-eye<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">White-cheeked Laughingthrush<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Chestnut-vented Nuthatch<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Black-collared Starling<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">White-shouldered Starling<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Common Myna<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Eyebrowed Thrush<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Asian Brown Flycatcher<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Verditer Flycatcher<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Mugimaki Flycatcher<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey Bushchat<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Fire-breasted Flowerpecker<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Olive-backed Sunbird<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Mrs. Gould's Sunbird<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Scaly-breasted Munia<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Tree Sparrow<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Grey Wagtail<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Olive-backed Pipit<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Vietnamese Greenfinch</span></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-22260835025781689602020-01-19T22:56:00.010+00:002021-01-23T10:35:01.843+00:00Cat Tien National Park<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTCtJvIrZX3EPR0yzL-n-cZEm-KqAzpEa-oUjON8EqSzs58rABrngwtUMnqRkZODtc6bzzxW3VKKhip6aOLbrBqHbGmE7Me2Um5lmLGDTUb_7yp8UM7cBXsZWimEiHTbaUKRz/s1280/boat1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTCtJvIrZX3EPR0yzL-n-cZEm-KqAzpEa-oUjON8EqSzs58rABrngwtUMnqRkZODtc6bzzxW3VKKhip6aOLbrBqHbGmE7Me2Um5lmLGDTUb_7yp8UM7cBXsZWimEiHTbaUKRz/w200-h150/boat1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Wow! A three and a half hour journey and we arrived at superb wooden accommodation overhanging the river a short walk from the ferry across to the National Park. A <b>Lesser Adjutant</b> soaring overhead as we arrived was to be the only one we saw but it was the start of an incredible week with 129 species of bird (18 lifers) and 10 mammals.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr8B04OFTcgWrm7sMJZTNnBY0XgcLtmCUfNOv6chOPmqbCr1YbrRnPQ2uZ4Iks1sEFIEvUN3-jlzx5Ob-O0e_Y7HeoguPv32YG80x0BvOmdlF9swRanzTCV1qzfW6gpA0kXgX/s1280/river.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr8B04OFTcgWrm7sMJZTNnBY0XgcLtmCUfNOv6chOPmqbCr1YbrRnPQ2uZ4Iks1sEFIEvUN3-jlzx5Ob-O0e_Y7HeoguPv32YG80x0BvOmdlF9swRanzTCV1qzfW6gpA0kXgX/w200-h150/river.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Cat Tien is a large lowland forest on the west bank of the Dong Nai River. Entry costs just 60,000 dong (about £2) and includes the ferry crossing but must be paid again if you leave and return in the same day. First crossing is at around 7am after the dawn songs from the <b>Yellow-cheeked Gibbons</b> have subsided. Good roads, trails and paths spread out from the landing mainly along the course of the river but also well inland to the NW towards a large lake, Bàu Sấu, known for it's semi-wild Siamese Crocodiles, and beyond.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLls0YuzuXpZA22QpxG7B2d2WrTZEF2GQXgU1c_vdI8RJrLJT99V4k2_Yoayi2CqK6gehH1yIStDnyxU6UMWVHffb8qrf0u1uFSG5F6hgY0uHk-E5vsahywO1KtfYXUhJl50g/s1024/group_tree.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLls0YuzuXpZA22QpxG7B2d2WrTZEF2GQXgU1c_vdI8RJrLJT99V4k2_Yoayi2CqK6gehH1yIStDnyxU6UMWVHffb8qrf0u1uFSG5F6hgY0uHk-E5vsahywO1KtfYXUhJl50g/s320/group_tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Many of the off-road trails direct you to monumental trees and these trails proved the most productive for the more interesting forest birds. Within a short walk of the entrance there are a number of privately run hides. A position in one of the hides costs <a href="https://vietnamwildtour.com/tours/8/birding-hide-for-rent-cat-tien-national-park-48" target="_blank">$30 a day</a> but the birds that are attracted to the food and water provided there can be seen from the trails nearby if you aren't fussed about point blank views. You would need to visit all three to be sure to see all the specialities here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLfNvpr509CxPTcYUlxU3dDc492Fgu6dj1hwEroARr9wzEjkrGNjzPhSsTuTeAa1Ysz4hw7okRxEK9rIQ7Wid7HDK6zS4pSkV2zlZS083pLuzyP9eI-mKQ0W5Cs9e0dQ4g5St/s1136/yellow-cheeked_gibbon_juv_male_16jan20_1100l_3555.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1136" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLfNvpr509CxPTcYUlxU3dDc492Fgu6dj1hwEroARr9wzEjkrGNjzPhSsTuTeAa1Ysz4hw7okRxEK9rIQ7Wid7HDK6zS4pSkV2zlZS083pLuzyP9eI-mKQ0W5Cs9e0dQ4g5St/w320-h216/yellow-cheeked_gibbon_juv_male_16jan20_1100l_3555.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We kept extending our stay here and ended up doing 7 nights. I could have stayed much longer. There was still much to see. The Green Bamboo Lodge has a range of accommodation options and does a good choice of food. It is possible, but not guaranteed, to see the male gibbons from here as they sing from the treetops on the opposite side of the river at dawn but our encounters were all in the forest near the ferry.<p></p><p>These were by far and away the highlight of the time here. Although heard close by every morning they spend a lot of their time quietly in the tops of the trees and glimpsed only rarely, but once or twice we encountered them closer to the ground. This video is one of those magical once in a lifetime experiences. The boisterous gibbon close to us is an immature (3 year old) male, part of a family group with its parents, and known to approach visitors. At one point when swinging across the path it used my upper chest to spring off.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c1j49VlbNqs" width="320" youtube-src-id="c1j49VlbNqs"></iframe></div><br /><p>We failed to encounter the Black-shanked Doucs here, which by all accounts were much deeper into park but Long-tailed, Northern Pig-tailed and possibly Stump-tailed Macaques were all seen. Other mammals included Northern Slender-tailed Treeshrew, Cambodian Striped Squirrel, Indochinese Ground Squirrel, Horse-tailed and Pallas' Squirrels and a Giant Muntjac!</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ1BXMKhNvUmzg4SQjZkgSsxpQC_6HqUZlLrnuYm5RSFp8t65aOLlNc3xtEjBCYuT-PBjU4GOm8NyYQ692wnPACm8mnvwKX_y8VnU6uYny3rqhvYBHyyIWrpALKeN5JQQYvG3/s1024/slaty_legged_crake_18jan20_1024l_3642.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ1BXMKhNvUmzg4SQjZkgSsxpQC_6HqUZlLrnuYm5RSFp8t65aOLlNc3xtEjBCYuT-PBjU4GOm8NyYQ692wnPACm8mnvwKX_y8VnU6uYny3rqhvYBHyyIWrpALKeN5JQQYvG3/s320/slaty_legged_crake_18jan20_1024l_3642.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slaty-legged Crake <i>Rallina eurizonoides</i></td></tr></tbody></table>On to the birds then. <b>Germain's Peacock Pheasant</b> is one of two speciality pheasants here, the other being Siamese Flameback, which I unfortunately failed to locate. I only saw Germain's close to the hide south of the HQ where they are fed. This also produced my only sightings of <b>Blue-rumped Pitta</b> and <b>Slaty-legged Crake</b> but all were in very poor light with limited views. Views from the hide itself would have been spectacular. The <b>Giant Muntjac</b> showed close to here.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcuKk9PeHX8nfsAdQ0aLNdgLEL7WfKsdK3MFu-5F3x6rZWYqV0Ov0r4cMnXRlkhLoX2yRFdI7WxTfX6O2HdIVDeqqviqtlskKpvzppra913mf9jBqGBqAvivma_0DyzDrfRiR/s795/black-capped_kingfisher_14jan20_768s_3151.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="795" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcuKk9PeHX8nfsAdQ0aLNdgLEL7WfKsdK3MFu-5F3x6rZWYqV0Ov0r4cMnXRlkhLoX2yRFdI7WxTfX6O2HdIVDeqqviqtlskKpvzppra913mf9jBqGBqAvivma_0DyzDrfRiR/w200-h193/black-capped_kingfisher_14jan20_768s_3151.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-capped Kingfisher <i>Halcyon pileata</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Great-eared Nightjars were common and heard singing at dawn and dusk but only occasionally seen over the farmland. Among other more common farmland birds a <b>Burmese Shrike</b> here was my first. The river was very productive and many birds could be seen with patience from the room balcony, often during morning and evening roost movements. Best were Pied and Black-capped Kingfishers, Oriental Pied and Great Hornbills, Oriental Darter and <b>Blue-bearded Bee-eater</b>. The Hornbills made dawn and dusk flights to and from the island just upstream of the ferry but views were generally brief and distant in very poor light.<p></p><p>Still on the eastern shore Dollarbirds were plentiful and displaying at times. Vernal Hanging Parrot and more numerous Red-breasted Parakeets often flew across the river. Watching the treetops in the park from this shore produced the only views of my first <b>Golden-crested Mynas</b>.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi883J7l3NXDu4QidKLH3oY7AKCHJt9JSPo3b2Divi6KK4OLB1nD20TNuQGWTpSncVSH5bwR0d2Yuh_fTyh-9kNrKVL2tNOsg98Izwr-71gT86iDHHcntWhhuxD9hvVTrTtikx1/s1108/bar-bellied_pitta_16jan20_1100l_3419.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi883J7l3NXDu4QidKLH3oY7AKCHJt9JSPo3b2Divi6KK4OLB1nD20TNuQGWTpSncVSH5bwR0d2Yuh_fTyh-9kNrKVL2tNOsg98Izwr-71gT86iDHHcntWhhuxD9hvVTrTtikx1/s320/bar-bellied_pitta_16jan20_1100l_3419.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bar-bellied Pitta <i>Hydrornis elliotii</i></td></tr></tbody></table>One of the most productive trails starts just close to the slipway near HQ. As you walk up from the ferry turn right onto the main road and c.100m on the left are stepping stones heading into the forest. This was where most gibbon encounters occurred and where we had very close views of <b>Bar-bellied Pitta</b> and Orange-headed Thrush at one of the hides. The Pitta also showed on the trail itself along with other forest floor species such as Scaly-breasted Partridge, Siberian Blue Robin and Puff-throated Babbler. Other highlights along here were <b>Black-and-buff Woodpeckers</b> (flock of 3), Laced Woodpecker,<span> Lesser Yellownape,</span> 5 <b>Black-and-red Broadbills</b> together, an <b>Orange-breasted Trogon</b> and <b>Large Woodshrike</b>.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhrm47E0P_TXB6kHi6DweQlVBU7-FzBezAtqcK7KzEafo33DvWC3UvOvw7q0nPCmjaOIIQjaCp7aBlO-pZ6Vl-OViwQtcJocndHn-g-U8X_L4ObAgdAmWwsS6CJW0gWjnSSkL/s1024/black-and-red_broadbills_15jan20_1024w_3340.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhrm47E0P_TXB6kHi6DweQlVBU7-FzBezAtqcK7KzEafo33DvWC3UvOvw7q0nPCmjaOIIQjaCp7aBlO-pZ6Vl-OViwQtcJocndHn-g-U8X_L4ObAgdAmWwsS6CJW0gWjnSSkL/s320/black-and-red_broadbills_15jan20_1024w_3340.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-and-red Broadbill <i>Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRWUlFKNYIu6QExSp3JdRqxqHLmZkiQEvz61GLDdAqm0VIX6vEzl5qvMXZcOLMQl69qdrgFF-hBFnPyO7skfjonENQQlYUEYNxjLw1VuXGMeRFIlv_grAgrrCrcrgRgPXuxlu/s1200/orange-headed_thrush_16jan20_1200w_3495.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRWUlFKNYIu6QExSp3JdRqxqHLmZkiQEvz61GLDdAqm0VIX6vEzl5qvMXZcOLMQl69qdrgFF-hBFnPyO7skfjonENQQlYUEYNxjLw1VuXGMeRFIlv_grAgrrCrcrgRgPXuxlu/s320/orange-headed_thrush_16jan20_1200w_3495.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange-headed Thrush <i>Geokichla citrina</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1k07u8Gcf7jQ4XMmp78-kLEZFr7qqbPmn4D_7rTA3xRxPH4rPWT1zdt0gYpSM82pDzxZSCMWjipyY9ZLNfm92doJ3IE0zfOFbWYyw5jpNSeetRdeKuWqwUe61VWKa24TFGB4/s1105/siberian_blue_robin_male_16jan20_1100l_3484.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1k07u8Gcf7jQ4XMmp78-kLEZFr7qqbPmn4D_7rTA3xRxPH4rPWT1zdt0gYpSM82pDzxZSCMWjipyY9ZLNfm92doJ3IE0zfOFbWYyw5jpNSeetRdeKuWqwUe61VWKa24TFGB4/s320/siberian_blue_robin_male_16jan20_1100l_3484.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siberian Blue Robin <i>Luscinia cyane</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThk55HpBYSKuHTEGpjVAmFMTBAsEDHG5jOlDf2j5w8sR7iUqaqVN5XhA5ZQA-5r4ZHlzI4DNIJ_SHy9CLThnFkzNuhwBTt4s4CiJ1in4IiY0AzuDdeQmVvvzfsSlxs3lHdzAE/s1024/stork-billed_kingfisher_18jan20_1024l_3657.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThk55HpBYSKuHTEGpjVAmFMTBAsEDHG5jOlDf2j5w8sR7iUqaqVN5XhA5ZQA-5r4ZHlzI4DNIJ_SHy9CLThnFkzNuhwBTt4s4CiJ1in4IiY0AzuDdeQmVvvzfsSlxs3lHdzAE/s320/stork-billed_kingfisher_18jan20_1024l_3657.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stork-billed Kingfisher <i>Pelargopsis capensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Following the main track/road north from the HQ/landing was excellent with waves of birds often passing containing things like Pale-legged Leaf Warbler, Yellow-bellied Warbler, Van Hasselt's Sunbird Thick-billed Flowerpecker, Purple-naped Spiderhunter and, another lifer for me, <b>Grey-faced Tit-babbler</b>. It was particularly good for Kingfishers, especially at places where it crossed muddy streams and pools. Black-capped, Stork-billed and Blue-eared Kingfishers all showed from time to time. Along with Pied and Common Kingfishers at the river, White-throated on the farmland and a female Banded Kingfisher at a drier part of the track there were 7 species here.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22dWLcARzzlGoG8NoeB5RihlxD9gl8z2avL5JkUjjSIchhi3MjVInu68H36uninrpAhe1AzFmtWDukFRkkCEyns0eTaodUmK7K8tR1QlURuKCTqDO-V1d-2Lrq7jA-fVltGYc/s1024/banded_kingfisher.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22dWLcARzzlGoG8NoeB5RihlxD9gl8z2avL5JkUjjSIchhi3MjVInu68H36uninrpAhe1AzFmtWDukFRkkCEyns0eTaodUmK7K8tR1QlURuKCTqDO-V1d-2Lrq7jA-fVltGYc/s320/banded_kingfisher.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banded Kingfisher <i>Lacedo pulchella </i>(photo by Phil Hall)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A short trail leaves the main track towards what's called the Uncle Dong Tree and this junction often produced loads of great birds and a few Long-tailed and Pig-tailed Macaques. On one occasion 3 Orange-breasted Trogons, a Black-and-red and 2 <b>Banded Broadbills</b>. <b>Grey-eyed Bulbul</b> and <b>Swinhoe's Minivet</b> were both firsts for me along here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuyTARQcM-mjR5FSyZkRDiPhH80L5pjl5j__YF7GvjwxBis_CDzJ2eAfWOQgcb8cZYH9bfcdJk2U29bLv376jL_xAbbcmA8PT9BZar0xGgykEH202a4puIsTNkpldt4U8SDcJ/s767/banded_broadbill_14jan20_768p_3231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="614" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuyTARQcM-mjR5FSyZkRDiPhH80L5pjl5j__YF7GvjwxBis_CDzJ2eAfWOQgcb8cZYH9bfcdJk2U29bLv376jL_xAbbcmA8PT9BZar0xGgykEH202a4puIsTNkpldt4U8SDcJ/s320/banded_broadbill_14jan20_768p_3231.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBVABUtQs4LAKhkPPvyB8GgE8XHTCOJhZS2eoMVxyh5xI4j1fX0d0ct_6k_C6fIHR2r5BI9KwLrIlTYQNb4HvWhr7ReyUfp4L1Z4sxv_GUQsbsgpuJ2PtyuG7HLZ9cUCrerWl/s1024/banded_broadbill_14jan20_1024l_3234.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBVABUtQs4LAKhkPPvyB8GgE8XHTCOJhZS2eoMVxyh5xI4j1fX0d0ct_6k_C6fIHR2r5BI9KwLrIlTYQNb4HvWhr7ReyUfp4L1Z4sxv_GUQsbsgpuJ2PtyuG7HLZ9cUCrerWl/s320/banded_broadbill_14jan20_1024l_3234.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banded Broadbill <i>Eurylaimus javanicus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xXM1KbGZJGGPq4CRA8V_fXzQP3TSmabIUN20B1i_6ryWpjc4HwaqpblpaZslAgywFJ8_WacMNPAMEGvXPRREWONsPxTh0gbqF_MvdHajGLZ6UzWPDJutj1pE1O_FKNmhs-A3/s768/orange-breasted_trogon_14jan20_768p_3214.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="614" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xXM1KbGZJGGPq4CRA8V_fXzQP3TSmabIUN20B1i_6ryWpjc4HwaqpblpaZslAgywFJ8_WacMNPAMEGvXPRREWONsPxTh0gbqF_MvdHajGLZ6UzWPDJutj1pE1O_FKNmhs-A3/s320/orange-breasted_trogon_14jan20_768p_3214.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6nFgxrJcNtn-FicTJHTFFHIGYsu9wdgyvslRW2Es9E1tul-hnZldcb69u_VeOFEHwnKTBdkiRrDgHByQLzeeuzC7cHF3MU10SPk5cajirDrn5lAArSDLWciancp5YWqOzivq/s910/orange-breasted_trogon_14jan20_768s_3194.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="910" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6nFgxrJcNtn-FicTJHTFFHIGYsu9wdgyvslRW2Es9E1tul-hnZldcb69u_VeOFEHwnKTBdkiRrDgHByQLzeeuzC7cHF3MU10SPk5cajirDrn5lAArSDLWciancp5YWqOzivq/s320/orange-breasted_trogon_14jan20_768s_3194.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange-breasted Trogon <i>Harpactes oreskios</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WCO6fbMciS35XQi-eCuh5QDtqLh6KN9dFGrWtUrQ2O05xVihIWIM6-Wb_UACSbOmskUG4Eo3l4gdUtCRSoMlSYO7XwOBTyGTBsyL6R4I_Tuu3LxKAuTqPlncSA5j0w7aC61i/s768/brown_fish_owl_14jan20_768p_3170.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WCO6fbMciS35XQi-eCuh5QDtqLh6KN9dFGrWtUrQ2O05xVihIWIM6-Wb_UACSbOmskUG4Eo3l4gdUtCRSoMlSYO7XwOBTyGTBsyL6R4I_Tuu3LxKAuTqPlncSA5j0w7aC61i/s320/brown_fish_owl_14jan20_768p_3170.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffy Fish Owl <i>Ketupa ketupu</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Another good area was nearer HQ where a dry ford crossed just below a small dam. This held a <b>Buffy Fish Owl</b> that was present the whole week but could be incredibly hard to see as it tucked into the rocks of the dam but sometimes was out hunting in the remaining small pools.<p></p><p>I should just mention the rather up-market Forest Floor Lodge, which as far as I can tell is the only accommodation on the National Park side of the river other than at HQ. A pause here for a shady drink showed what an incredible location it enjoys. Views past fruiting trees looking up the river would be incredible for picking up Hornbills, Egrets, Adjutants and the like in flight. As it is we enjoyed extended views of an Osprey over and close views of Yellow-vented and Thick-billed Flowerpeckers, Blue-winged Leafbird and Verditer Flycatcher.</p><p>Finally there is a trail billed as the Botanical Gardens, although it is pretty dense forest, if rather younger than most of the other trails. The denser understory here made birding harder but it was the only place I saw Grey-headed Woodpecker and <b>Scaly-crowned Babbler</b> and it was great to see a male Blyth's Paradise Flycatcher with a full tail here.</p><p>Systematic list at the bottom.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYy6scnwHcMTDvWMxQhdp3HpYvfhbur3Pq4TvFHRjaCYga9eHT4BMV7u6wKZV5m9o71hX-r9bwr7556x4YvGO6s2BLdtzqBeuGGLZfwfp53Ow414OvKGaprZ9Pls-RLJKCI5y/s640/osprey_15jan20_640w_3360.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYy6scnwHcMTDvWMxQhdp3HpYvfhbur3Pq4TvFHRjaCYga9eHT4BMV7u6wKZV5m9o71hX-r9bwr7556x4YvGO6s2BLdtzqBeuGGLZfwfp53Ow414OvKGaprZ9Pls-RLJKCI5y/s320/osprey_15jan20_640w_3360.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey <i>Pandion haliaetus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO-8FbPS9083tHOZ_nQ-mK7eW7aCtrCaBhXzYa69reA3IPWz49wjOwUZ0HhIfF9iiLjR5yB1b1yUhT3cGBD94SONOXt8DOTnw-v7I959QdZG37FQfD8TBnGQcFIURjPBTID_x/s1200/oriental_honey_buzzard_18jan20_1200w_3660.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO-8FbPS9083tHOZ_nQ-mK7eW7aCtrCaBhXzYa69reA3IPWz49wjOwUZ0HhIfF9iiLjR5yB1b1yUhT3cGBD94SONOXt8DOTnw-v7I959QdZG37FQfD8TBnGQcFIURjPBTID_x/s320/oriental_honey_buzzard_18jan20_1200w_3660.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crested Honey Buzzard <i>Pernis ptilorhynchus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt5_g6qnf7gBhIHGyfXJwxG-9bEe7dI1atr5GSjmZepVln_CMRyS5ovNaEFbbvAm9RFUF8eRJePN4uFfvtEV_hzS9kTKAo82oP4qvjDwbT1TdKHIpruNhd4jVrOCbLUHaPx2o/s1024/golden_crested_mynas_18jan20_1024l_3650.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt5_g6qnf7gBhIHGyfXJwxG-9bEe7dI1atr5GSjmZepVln_CMRyS5ovNaEFbbvAm9RFUF8eRJePN4uFfvtEV_hzS9kTKAo82oP4qvjDwbT1TdKHIpruNhd4jVrOCbLUHaPx2o/s320/golden_crested_mynas_18jan20_1024l_3650.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden-crested Myna <i>Ampeliceps coronatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUZgiRuWQ8-SPHwj7o0OoO_38lq_W9mUuPsI8-h0dGFWGGDDl4TVTV6CzgWV1oNBgBO8n2pXYWopqbQSL-Ief2QeRbZOVg_Pv3l_PpcBXYoFS698z5KFxr47rwrdEG-E9cpb-/s1200/black-hooded_oriole_13jan20_1200w_3104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUZgiRuWQ8-SPHwj7o0OoO_38lq_W9mUuPsI8-h0dGFWGGDDl4TVTV6CzgWV1oNBgBO8n2pXYWopqbQSL-Ief2QeRbZOVg_Pv3l_PpcBXYoFS698z5KFxr47rwrdEG-E9cpb-/s320/black-hooded_oriole_13jan20_1200w_3104.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-hooded Oriole <i>Oriolus xanthornus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUGzzkRrMfIUb3k58-JUdGGkhc4QIjrcZYkgaa85yXXYYCzHAqK2h7dTdd9SKW68h6ascBbXcn61eKS9csVXv9aKqkN-FJTRpYeqYYZPDrOVDa06GAuLzyNKTwXn3ToVPaFxt/s768/blue-winged_leafbird_15jan20_768s_3350.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="713" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUGzzkRrMfIUb3k58-JUdGGkhc4QIjrcZYkgaa85yXXYYCzHAqK2h7dTdd9SKW68h6ascBbXcn61eKS9csVXv9aKqkN-FJTRpYeqYYZPDrOVDa06GAuLzyNKTwXn3ToVPaFxt/s320/blue-winged_leafbird_15jan20_768s_3350.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue-winged Leafbird <i>Chloropsis cochinchinensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_848XjuDpXN50vc6vw7l3Qy_Wclt-lxq6L38MSNO147qccoGlZFBHxb9E3g-0fn1tgceEd10GKuGEb3eC97D4bmxtqOSmOOrm09rvFeAcBDHtFNTvy4SRqXKdK9m1s_Mg5ikT/s1024/bronzed_drongo_14jan20_1024l_3261.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_848XjuDpXN50vc6vw7l3Qy_Wclt-lxq6L38MSNO147qccoGlZFBHxb9E3g-0fn1tgceEd10GKuGEb3eC97D4bmxtqOSmOOrm09rvFeAcBDHtFNTvy4SRqXKdK9m1s_Mg5ikT/s320/bronzed_drongo_14jan20_1024l_3261.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronzed Drongo <i>Dicrurus aeneus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0E_QWPVevQ4ucywYy54hWxBxT1Zl4zRdMGz5keQX4KwxqtIyOXI5omkfaCYFBvx9SyVwoABplDmuStOG2_rJYUxHFfUrNgHthgB95zxLykNs0-0rmsnLlAFri1Fn6-plvDwp/s809/indochinese_flycatcher_16jan20_768s_3502.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="809" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0E_QWPVevQ4ucywYy54hWxBxT1Zl4zRdMGz5keQX4KwxqtIyOXI5omkfaCYFBvx9SyVwoABplDmuStOG2_rJYUxHFfUrNgHthgB95zxLykNs0-0rmsnLlAFri1Fn6-plvDwp/s320/indochinese_flycatcher_16jan20_768s_3502.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indochinese Blue Flycatcher <i>Cyornis sumatrensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5Hozdf_pxydieT7osOnecOtOM_NjDEKVPMWJqQU0xcGFeDzQj6EPcYbKHY1JlOXnQCGIygztK3jWAx78TnxU8vLe52Px26ONyJhXIdJFlALUGdy2yRgAKd7FzTfuyy00P2Ox/s1024/rufescent_prinia_14jan20_1024l_3280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5Hozdf_pxydieT7osOnecOtOM_NjDEKVPMWJqQU0xcGFeDzQj6EPcYbKHY1JlOXnQCGIygztK3jWAx78TnxU8vLe52Px26ONyJhXIdJFlALUGdy2yRgAKd7FzTfuyy00P2Ox/s320/rufescent_prinia_14jan20_1024l_3280.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rufescent Prinia <i>Prinia rufescens</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8lFlxNDF8zd5uGhVBH3-UFfiQof7ru55O1RyMlZyHGGkMFW6Zes29NZltvPxyDP2CmpH9si9u49sGP7mt1dbCqfSobR3gdFniADI1aY6VVkZgebldQtTUf6C6LRCkLIKqsAo/s1200/white-rumped_shama_16jan20_1200w_3488.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8lFlxNDF8zd5uGhVBH3-UFfiQof7ru55O1RyMlZyHGGkMFW6Zes29NZltvPxyDP2CmpH9si9u49sGP7mt1dbCqfSobR3gdFniADI1aY6VVkZgebldQtTUf6C6LRCkLIKqsAo/s320/white-rumped_shama_16jan20_1200w_3488.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-rumped Shama <i>Copsychus malabaricus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQRR-xucvOLwcBPKgFaeMV6BqS57qd8JVKG46tLq02akd48aV7PxuS5crKAHT7m1hyphenhyphenlBX2yNUkn0E2rbBrpGhXnaNCYPLs0iskMJEwDH-GbBzxOXILoupW5QRKgTmSEaobbb1/s1024/indian_forest_skink_18jan20_1024l_3668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQRR-xucvOLwcBPKgFaeMV6BqS57qd8JVKG46tLq02akd48aV7PxuS5crKAHT7m1hyphenhyphenlBX2yNUkn0E2rbBrpGhXnaNCYPLs0iskMJEwDH-GbBzxOXILoupW5QRKgTmSEaobbb1/s320/indian_forest_skink_18jan20_1024l_3668.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Forest Skink <i>Sphenomorphus indicus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Scaly-breasted (Green-legged) Partridge</div><div>Germain's Peacock-Pheasant</div><div>Red Junglefowl</div><div>Rock Dove</div><div>Red Collared Dove</div><div>Spotted Dove</div><div>Asian Emerald Dove</div><div>Zebra Dove</div><div>Ashy-headed Green-Pigeon</div><div>Thick-billed Green-Pigeon</div><div>Greater Coucal</div><div>Green-billed Malkoha</div><div>Plaintive Cuckoo</div><div>Great Eared-Nightjar</div><div>Germain's Swiftlet</div><div>Asian Palm-Swift</div><div>White-breasted Waterhen</div><div>Slaty-legged Crake</div><div>Common Sandpiper</div><div>Lesser Adjutant</div><div>Oriental Darter</div><div>Little Cormorant</div><div>Great White Egret</div><div>Little Egret</div><div>Cattle Egret</div><div>Chinese Pond Heron</div><div>Striated Heron</div><div>Black-crowned Night-Heron</div><div>Osprey</div><div>Crested Honey-buzzard</div><div>Crested Serpent-Eagle</div><div>Mountain Scops Owl</div><div>Brown Fish-Owl</div><div>Orange-breasted Trogon</div><div>Eurasian Hoopoe</div><div>Great Hornbill</div><div>Oriental Pied-Hornbill</div><div>Common Kingfisher</div><div>Blue-eared Kingfisher</div><div>Banded Kingfisher</div><div>Stork-billed Kingfisher</div><div>White-throated Kingfisher</div><div>Black-capped Kingfisher</div><div>Pied Kingfisher</div><div>Blue-bearded Bee-eater</div><div>Chestnut-headed Bee-eater</div><div>Indochinese Roller</div><div>Dollarbird</div><div>Coppersmith Barbet</div><div>Blue-eared Barbet</div><div>Green-eared Barbet</div><div>Lineated Barbet</div><div>Greater Flameback</div><div>Black-and-buff Woodpecker</div><div>Lesser Yellownape</div><div>Laced Woodpecker</div><div>Grey-headed Woodpecker</div><div>Red-breasted Parakeet</div><div>Vernal Hanging-Parrot</div><div>Black-and-red Broadbill</div><div>Banded Broadbill</div><div>Blue-rumped Pitta</div><div>Bar-bellied Pitta</div><div>Scarlet Minivet</div><div>Ashy Minivet</div><div>Brown-rumped Minivet</div><div>Black-naped Oriole</div><div>Black-hooded Oriole</div><div>Ashy Woodswallow</div><div>Large Woodshrike</div><div>Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike</div><div>Common Iora</div><div>Great Iora</div><div>Ashy Drongo</div><div>Bronzed Drongo</div><div>Hair-crested Drongo</div><div>Greater Racket-tailed Drongo</div><div>Black-naped Monarch</div><div>Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher</div><div>Brown Shrike</div><div>Burmese Shrike</div><div>Racket-tailed Treepie</div><div>Large-billed Crow</div><div>Common Tailorbird</div><div>Dark-necked Tailorbird</div><div>Grey-breasted Prinia</div><div>Plain Prinia</div><div>Barn Swallow</div><div>Black-headed Bulbul</div><div>Black-crested Bulbul</div><div>Sooty-headed Bulbul</div><div>Stripe-throated Bulbul</div><div>Streak-eared Bulbul</div><div>Ochraceous Bulbul</div><div>Grey-eyed Bulbul</div><div>Yellow-browed Warbler</div><div>Pale-legged Leaf Warbler</div><div>Arctic Warbler</div><div>Yellow-bellied Warbler</div><div>Grey-faced Tit-Babbler</div><div>Scaly-crowned Babbler</div><div>Puff-throated Babbler</div><div>Abbott's Babbler</div><div>Golden-crested Myna</div><div>Orange-headed Thrush</div><div>Asian Brown Flycatcher</div><div>Oriental Magpie-Robin</div><div>White-rumped Shama</div><div>Hainan Blue Flycatcher</div><div>Indochinese Blue Flycatcher</div><div>Verditer Flycatcher</div><div>Siberian Blue Robin</div><div>Taiga Flycatcher</div><div>Siberian Stonechat</div><div>Pied Bushchat</div><div>Thick-billed Flowerpecker</div><div>Yellow-vented Flowerpecker</div><div>Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker</div><div>Van Hasselt's Sunbird</div><div>Olive-backed Sunbird</div><div>Crimson Sunbird</div><div>Purple-naped Spiderhunter</div><div>Little Spiderhunter</div><div>Blue-winged Leafbird</div><div>Golden-fronted Leafbird</div><div>Scaly-breasted Munia</div><div>Eurasian Tree Sparrow</div><div>Grey Wagtail</div><div>Paddyfield Pipit</div><div><br /></div><div>Long-tailed Macaque</div><div>Northern Pig-tailed Macaque</div><div>Stub-tailed Macaque?</div><div>Yellow-cheeked Gibbon</div><div>Common Treeshrew</div><div>Norther Slender-tailed Treeshrew</div><div>Pallas' Squirrel</div><div>Horse-tailed Squirrel</div><div>Indochinese Ground Squirrel</div><div>Cambodian Striped Squirrel</div><div>Giant Muntjac</div><div><br /></div></span></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-66381686394362134102020-01-12T04:08:00.000+00:002021-01-16T13:38:39.696+00:00Capital birding<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQZeIbw-31H7jKFQEbmg4SlXkr24crlfTizwexnycpNFIDqgzSPG8HP-jkWBuzJEAmx2aRtQk4sZN0a9tjFI4zF6sLHED23U0AX4BfaF6idqxtgY3iMCmGwBC9Fe6Igpj5irl/s1280/park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQZeIbw-31H7jKFQEbmg4SlXkr24crlfTizwexnycpNFIDqgzSPG8HP-jkWBuzJEAmx2aRtQk4sZN0a9tjFI4zF6sLHED23U0AX4BfaF6idqxtgY3iMCmGwBC9Fe6Igpj5irl/w200-h150/park.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Vietnam was our main aim for January but it would be wrong not to call into Phnom Penh and see our friends here. <a href="https://scoddy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Scoddy</a> (Scott Bywater) was doing a gig, a few other musician friends were in town and our old neighbours were also on their way to Vietnam after travelling through Thailand and Laos for the past couple of months. The bus from Siem Reap took about 5 hours with stops and we stayed in a high room overlooking the park near the National Museum at the Bright Lotus Guesthouse.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkNFkBDkfyG6QRoInQX2MDh_qPsw_kmdeKAIwgnCKfMJNSgmYFeZ3qyP50k_S_UfuX5mUS3foardeviqI9GjrQ3HvWrC2BoRXN2jRZWX-i7OXxaX7q7M5cZUGSnqr0dsIF6nI/s1280/tacos_kokopelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkNFkBDkfyG6QRoInQX2MDh_qPsw_kmdeKAIwgnCKfMJNSgmYFeZ3qyP50k_S_UfuX5mUS3foardeviqI9GjrQ3HvWrC2BoRXN2jRZWX-i7OXxaX7q7M5cZUGSnqr0dsIF6nI/w150-h200/tacos_kokopelli.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Scoddy's gig was at Tacos Kokopelli's, one of my favourite places in town, and he kindly had another musician and me play a few numbers as well. We'd met up with Phil and Carol earlier and had a great evening. The following morning I checked out the banks of the River close by. Once again found Oriental Reed Warbler, Plain and Yellow-bellied Prinias here and a Caspian Tern patrolled the water. A female <b>Streaked Weaver</b> that perched below our room was a lifer (but guess it could be an escape here where there are a criminal number of birds in cages).<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqSe7AFr5QRl2EX4S4OmH99tPboay7lN1UIrUzz8GB4f8jsZpKnsxS5bj2e5e-aiYd9M4FXzZ4AADb3y-p4F8y_27vu_anhPyw4xVZnfR_KMtczwbl3z-cPLn82K_b_dsmDvO/s1024/streaked_weaver_9jan20_1024l_2859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqSe7AFr5QRl2EX4S4OmH99tPboay7lN1UIrUzz8GB4f8jsZpKnsxS5bj2e5e-aiYd9M4FXzZ4AADb3y-p4F8y_27vu_anhPyw4xVZnfR_KMtczwbl3z-cPLn82K_b_dsmDvO/s320/streaked_weaver_9jan20_1024l_2859.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streaked Weaver <i>Ploceus manyar</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtME1s1y1IEeFbCy6vD8-448BgQKqWhRBJL_gnWJqUxZ4o7tGlp4p5wWWXSMlks4K9NF2hOPDyQRrHc5o3hBaqmxudqG0N1R0ynRzcX1WDsSABwyFEBDItSOUaXVdTXxuMmti1/s768/black-winged_cuckooshrike_11jan20_768s_3022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="754" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtME1s1y1IEeFbCy6vD8-448BgQKqWhRBJL_gnWJqUxZ4o7tGlp4p5wWWXSMlks4K9NF2hOPDyQRrHc5o3hBaqmxudqG0N1R0ynRzcX1WDsSABwyFEBDItSOUaXVdTXxuMmti1/w196-h200/black-winged_cuckooshrike_11jan20_768s_3022.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-winged Cuckooshrike <i>Coracina melaschistos</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />After another evening of music at The Sundance Inn we caught an early morning bus to Ho Chi Minh City; Our first time in Vietnam. Appeared birdless from the bus but the city parks were brimming with wildlife, especially the grounds of the Independence Palace. Among more common birds I chalked up a couple of lifers, <b>Blossom-headed Parakeet </b>and <b>Black-winged Cuckooshrike</b>, and there were also Red-breasted Parakeets, White-crested and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes, Blyth's Paradise Flycatcher, Scarlet Minivets and a superb juvenile White-throated Thrush.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxoCFoVffswIPK7fW_RzHwB-aL5j3tX7t5ccVjaF6Kgl3G4V_83g1VyKWDkEqHsj01VBD6V8R717SgxFhygS8r7qsp-HKvZuWZU3AOep-GWTlw5szyiug-r0Ntwx-ccQSlaRr/s640/white-thoated_thrush_juv_11jan20_640l_2881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxoCFoVffswIPK7fW_RzHwB-aL5j3tX7t5ccVjaF6Kgl3G4V_83g1VyKWDkEqHsj01VBD6V8R717SgxFhygS8r7qsp-HKvZuWZU3AOep-GWTlw5szyiug-r0Ntwx-ccQSlaRr/s320/white-thoated_thrush_juv_11jan20_640l_2881.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-throated Rock-thrush <i>Monticola gularis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Phil also had a Red-billed Blue Magpie in the grounds here but it failed to appear again. We didn't make it as far as the Botanical Gardens here and I think a few days stop over in the city would reveal a good deal more birdlife. We're not really ones for the city and only spent two nights here before moving on the Cat Tien National Park. The Independence Palace itself was a fascinating visit but the traffic in HCMC absolutely crazy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bCNUWkclgH2Pnp06HmQEteSXnW9faWqojYINi7iX1ysEIf2TNZvrTGDAuHlfUyfAutKjjm_CyB0YriBcoXfbcpn4wI3q0QDFo-8z78InPTC1h6Lh9Xasn1N1kQ2TH2ADWLib/s1280/palace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bCNUWkclgH2Pnp06HmQEteSXnW9faWqojYINi7iX1ysEIf2TNZvrTGDAuHlfUyfAutKjjm_CyB0YriBcoXfbcpn4wI3q0QDFo-8z78InPTC1h6Lh9Xasn1N1kQ2TH2ADWLib/w200-h150/palace1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9_QfPHEq-vKGmIEgZt_fpQXXdJyiPtsml1QYx8BkI42nWy39JlDTl0rni0vzSADlO1DEiMpP-zRpA5nsao10VaZRO-kwziXOfP7WikBeMCTOM3JpeSPT9Z5FACa1OcHQVgbA/s1280/palace3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9_QfPHEq-vKGmIEgZt_fpQXXdJyiPtsml1QYx8BkI42nWy39JlDTl0rni0vzSADlO1DEiMpP-zRpA5nsao10VaZRO-kwziXOfP7WikBeMCTOM3JpeSPT9Z5FACa1OcHQVgbA/w200-h150/palace3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W5Ia-_DfibtzWUuh9PQC-Dh12wd1Ee8Brgyxcw6fCnyazIXBQ5BC4sbtZ1XzaOhNk5fdE43ValjwADtGENwnT0XVM-l5m2YQJwau0_ThPHrwdcrdas133qTLE88J7QDf4xat/s768/ashy_drongo_sooty_11jan20_768p_2898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W5Ia-_DfibtzWUuh9PQC-Dh12wd1Ee8Brgyxcw6fCnyazIXBQ5BC4sbtZ1XzaOhNk5fdE43ValjwADtGENwnT0XVM-l5m2YQJwau0_ThPHrwdcrdas133qTLE88J7QDf4xat/s320/ashy_drongo_sooty_11jan20_768p_2898.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashy Drongo <i>Dicrurus leucophaeus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nkeOHX7K1i6VOpdJSODzdOKV-ILt3lN8BwK48kQXpcE5uTzrAfDfOVAqA7oZNjsvFwx-nGAgBSX2pTdHYSwwULCGBIKImIy_30JE9rRAfHPrgUukqZ2eyN55OJG_zWTOxBtR/s1024/black-naped_monarch_20jan20_1024l_2934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nkeOHX7K1i6VOpdJSODzdOKV-ILt3lN8BwK48kQXpcE5uTzrAfDfOVAqA7oZNjsvFwx-nGAgBSX2pTdHYSwwULCGBIKImIy_30JE9rRAfHPrgUukqZ2eyN55OJG_zWTOxBtR/s320/black-naped_monarch_20jan20_1024l_2934.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-naped Monarch <i>Hypothymis azurea</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDH0sVvirpTQwSN527U68WpU45CR8tuJ3tEoqLuzj_-AAGyG8XDwOvE15TWpD06X1kvP72R_utjfzGw-FP9zuAn0i7wKmjPnp6ZVlT-asNBzyZHfJIdWDtYlADMc78H___YEF/s768/blyths_paradise-flycatcher_11jan20_768s_2976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="723" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDH0sVvirpTQwSN527U68WpU45CR8tuJ3tEoqLuzj_-AAGyG8XDwOvE15TWpD06X1kvP72R_utjfzGw-FP9zuAn0i7wKmjPnp6ZVlT-asNBzyZHfJIdWDtYlADMc78H___YEF/s320/blyths_paradise-flycatcher_11jan20_768s_2976.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blyth's Paradise Flycatcher <i>Terpsiphone affinis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw4MDm4cBkkHW4vuNE1El_yGBZLFEMUFlLB_Dx5c5uztLKuljpA1MiraD9k9UTEw2N2sWY-w-UA4REncQ15LaVNHEZNYuDgXZXguoQf3rjlAIA_3JB_Fqeaw8l4ZUllteJkE4/s768/green-billed_malkoha_11jan20_768p_2863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="639" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw4MDm4cBkkHW4vuNE1El_yGBZLFEMUFlLB_Dx5c5uztLKuljpA1MiraD9k9UTEw2N2sWY-w-UA4REncQ15LaVNHEZNYuDgXZXguoQf3rjlAIA_3JB_Fqeaw8l4ZUllteJkE4/s320/green-billed_malkoha_11jan20_768p_2863.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green-billed Malkhoa <i>Phaenicophaeus tristis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIBLqdycY2ntHfAXuRZ6YM6ta_mCaFjkUhnycKAZkleMxYI3AV2nMuoTULQGsI1fL5qVF0DB-UUPDgIRv0pwT2IBMYImJCb_A61N3EcINWI7Jgs8AcEpmb9u2GsXUqhy8LGfV/s800/lesser_necklaced_laughingthrush_20jan20_800l_2900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIBLqdycY2ntHfAXuRZ6YM6ta_mCaFjkUhnycKAZkleMxYI3AV2nMuoTULQGsI1fL5qVF0DB-UUPDgIRv0pwT2IBMYImJCb_A61N3EcINWI7Jgs8AcEpmb9u2GsXUqhy8LGfV/s320/lesser_necklaced_laughingthrush_20jan20_800l_2900.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush <i>Garrulax monileger</i></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoQk0cJ407xa8n_bfnqgFCGU6kIZSxOs77D7Sevjd7eHWCM0tokkj0j06ZDGST-5Uq_HRnzfn3Ze8NTkYoHqQlL3-NMv-E3moRWR25pr4SFxH78PIpmy274Lbq_Ss-pOpgCBa/s768/oriental_garden_lizard_11jan20_768p_3036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="671" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoQk0cJ407xa8n_bfnqgFCGU6kIZSxOs77D7Sevjd7eHWCM0tokkj0j06ZDGST-5Uq_HRnzfn3Ze8NTkYoHqQlL3-NMv-E3moRWR25pr4SFxH78PIpmy274Lbq_Ss-pOpgCBa/s320/oriental_garden_lizard_11jan20_768p_3036.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Garden Lizard <i>Calotes versicolor</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxkknluDQ19_up3fXZMAfQxGhdFTqKtc495AISdKS3c3-LnJg8E25w69Zl0C5cO5WmT25E2rlWnbUifcVYKg4ZeVb1SBkr5ETAo0Mi3Hn6oTIEMEtAPqDBiJkj0btFWW7cUn3/s1024/pallas_squirrel_12jan20_1024www_3047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxkknluDQ19_up3fXZMAfQxGhdFTqKtc495AISdKS3c3-LnJg8E25w69Zl0C5cO5WmT25E2rlWnbUifcVYKg4ZeVb1SBkr5ETAo0Mi3Hn6oTIEMEtAPqDBiJkj0btFWW7cUn3/s320/pallas_squirrel_12jan20_1024www_3047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pallas' Squirrel <i>Callosciurus erythraeus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWsgK2xKLs63nI5fcaW4Kz7ouG3mW3m75RdIzPSbi6KeiGKbAPCgfVZhmorahghB-1ymZRW82UbQuEw9aLvJx_M-Ahhz6ZjRAi2unN78vuaU2khK7l6Dpz2WFKmE7fQzciKib/s1024/taiga_flycatcher_11jan20_1024l_3040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWsgK2xKLs63nI5fcaW4Kz7ouG3mW3m75RdIzPSbi6KeiGKbAPCgfVZhmorahghB-1ymZRW82UbQuEw9aLvJx_M-Ahhz6ZjRAi2unN78vuaU2khK7l6Dpz2WFKmE7fQzciKib/s320/taiga_flycatcher_11jan20_1024l_3040.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiga Flycatcher <i>Ficedula albicilla</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-39951980575731378922020-01-08T09:03:00.000+00:002021-01-15T19:36:34.215+00:00Siem Reap<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfz8wekXHdiDVtcpaC5ytRVnXFEC65qUHkisyauuuzb51ZSSo4lrheAKuBLqKsKHDkv-7f65gVjwYJMoYF6fxzIyNIjNdUhHgjFfvYSQ01T6XDcXtX3nHSRD-U5F5rRUWjGcF/s1366/sunset_6jan20_1366ww_2670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfz8wekXHdiDVtcpaC5ytRVnXFEC65qUHkisyauuuzb51ZSSo4lrheAKuBLqKsKHDkv-7f65gVjwYJMoYF6fxzIyNIjNdUhHgjFfvYSQ01T6XDcXtX3nHSRD-U5F5rRUWjGcF/s320/sunset_6jan20_1366ww_2670.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a couple of nights in Bangkok we travelled to this excellent Cambodian town famous for the jewel of SE Asia, Angkor Wat. Having been here before (and the entry fee now being considerably more expensive) we opted to stay to the south of the town close to the wet rural lands that extend towards the Tonlé Sap. Our intention was to enjoy the peace and quiet and wildlife of the area (despite the early morning Cambodian songs blaring out and continuing through the day!) and the Yi Family Homestay was a perfect base.<p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwtmyXohXcgC-hlNLqnscHwVZmr2SYBYuEwGpLVS5u9wbW9lC8N2Ayb9tADVhUBUxb7Bc833OxPI_JUtTs9iOW6RbKjQWV6ySUPkdupTnssY1micSyzvKbpgaOm-8CP1lBAeD/s1200/pin-tailed_snipe_7jan20_1200w_2748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwtmyXohXcgC-hlNLqnscHwVZmr2SYBYuEwGpLVS5u9wbW9lC8N2Ayb9tADVhUBUxb7Bc833OxPI_JUtTs9iOW6RbKjQWV6ySUPkdupTnssY1micSyzvKbpgaOm-8CP1lBAeD/s320/pin-tailed_snipe_7jan20_1200w_2748.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin-tailed Snipe <i>Gallinago stenura</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Easy walking from here takes you across paddies and fields with varying amounts of water and alongside small lakes and lotus beds. The latter were home to many Plaintive Cuckoos (c.20) and the open water held waders and Whiskered Terns. Black-winged Stilts, 3 Greenshank, a Little Ringed Plover, 2 Wood Sandpipers and a few Snipe - probably Pin-tailed Snipe (my first) with Black-winged Kite overhead. </p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJqsHsfqVLYFwyjmshbNc2Yej3DRoq7XAI1D6JEg7vZPZXpsNbGxXHhv0RUuBsrBPI-OIV6-ckIb1WpmQVEbbn6kF1e7QAf4h5DnrSYXDAukaU1oUGVmcswapRfiaTeP3HXn7/s1200/white-shouldered_starling_7jan20_1200w_2781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJqsHsfqVLYFwyjmshbNc2Yej3DRoq7XAI1D6JEg7vZPZXpsNbGxXHhv0RUuBsrBPI-OIV6-ckIb1WpmQVEbbn6kF1e7QAf4h5DnrSYXDAukaU1oUGVmcswapRfiaTeP3HXn7/s320/white-shouldered_starling_7jan20_1200w_2781.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-shouldered Starling <i>Sturnia sinensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><div><br /></div><div>Passerines were plentiful with several Black-browed and Oriental Reed Warblers, Dusky and Yellow-browed Warblers, Pied Bushchats, Stejneger's Stonechats, Baya Weaver, Plain-backed Sparrows and more. A single first-winter White-shouldered Starling was my only other lifer here.<p></p><p>Oriental Darters and the occasional Painted Stork passed over along with the numerous Asian Openbills.</p><p><br /></p><p>Could have stayed here longer to explore further towards Tonlé Sap but we had plans to meet up with friends in Phnom Penh so after three nights were moving on again.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBrg6yIpRXX-XjFZnbiHj5RsmilDn8Ds0pZMsD2vPur_rsRQuKM7vnhwX8TIh5XTpKPCuY1cCH4Ydyp7hbGjhza0MoM9Q64Tvy1NzX8z2nBQBzaAGSe9er_lqA1d7zDbPZ6w-/s800/anhinga_7jan20_800w_2803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBrg6yIpRXX-XjFZnbiHj5RsmilDn8Ds0pZMsD2vPur_rsRQuKM7vnhwX8TIh5XTpKPCuY1cCH4Ydyp7hbGjhza0MoM9Q64Tvy1NzX8z2nBQBzaAGSe9er_lqA1d7zDbPZ6w-/s320/anhinga_7jan20_800w_2803.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Darter (Anhinga) <i>Anhinga melanogaster</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu7jju1Mmtwdo1bRMp3fmCktMWbj_JxmSilBpY4H9FiK0GrHTEOwNuumXUnSdAvyUY6m6gjOykXSXsssEFV9pIt5kcNOrfqktFYyQBGZl86WT2xg0vCm0Ek_PK24sNGlvZUYD/s768/black-naped_monarch_7jan20_768p_2805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="559" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu7jju1Mmtwdo1bRMp3fmCktMWbj_JxmSilBpY4H9FiK0GrHTEOwNuumXUnSdAvyUY6m6gjOykXSXsssEFV9pIt5kcNOrfqktFYyQBGZl86WT2xg0vCm0Ek_PK24sNGlvZUYD/s320/black-naped_monarch_7jan20_768p_2805.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-naped Monarch <i>Hypothymis azurea</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tVxKfAXUUuW9fJrYuxC_InrAnRkgWFU0YxvNVC7bEpDw98tZBMsoR9yHWFsvy-XLxR_KWT-hgC3m1duWEdiK4DdQkD4wRb0Iz-qnMGBkF1t9XfGAEpo4jKHPtzduHxy3Bl-u/s768/plain-backed_sparrow_7jan20_768p_2692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tVxKfAXUUuW9fJrYuxC_InrAnRkgWFU0YxvNVC7bEpDw98tZBMsoR9yHWFsvy-XLxR_KWT-hgC3m1duWEdiK4DdQkD4wRb0Iz-qnMGBkF1t9XfGAEpo4jKHPtzduHxy3Bl-u/s320/plain-backed_sparrow_7jan20_768p_2692.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plain-backed Sparrow <i>Passer flaveolus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT4u8YCPJY8WPYf3vAK5bsnZb3Gy6hKjLJ36U8OT05HCzcgNzggvo5deVcflNLCjz8GExl6THB2IwEAPPe4dt2wTqwC7cNlY8ZrRCntJVtZASPTSUTqqO0wVszOfkQf9usopA/s768/plaintive_cuckoo_7jan20_768p_2702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="568" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT4u8YCPJY8WPYf3vAK5bsnZb3Gy6hKjLJ36U8OT05HCzcgNzggvo5deVcflNLCjz8GExl6THB2IwEAPPe4dt2wTqwC7cNlY8ZrRCntJVtZASPTSUTqqO0wVszOfkQf9usopA/s320/plaintive_cuckoo_7jan20_768p_2702.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EUiVYB8F5-TKBD-eAP2lmtUTj509ONRKfxapOi7I7eLextd7N4H3sxsHMqjQQcvME0hBT4YLBRL5tAASBR5_6QGCzac6lHik_oxs-VJiNnpUjShCEgbMr3KoRDBaPtdZ-E2p/s768/plaintive_cuckoo_7jan20_768p_2718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EUiVYB8F5-TKBD-eAP2lmtUTj509ONRKfxapOi7I7eLextd7N4H3sxsHMqjQQcvME0hBT4YLBRL5tAASBR5_6QGCzac6lHik_oxs-VJiNnpUjShCEgbMr3KoRDBaPtdZ-E2p/s320/plaintive_cuckoo_7jan20_768p_2718.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaintive Cuckoo <i>Cacomantis merulinus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cNWU6O76JfYEC90_vwQlYZXz6r79it-454NXVCSbCepv4bgISk5ajwQR3wHNXURzdNCRMDLGu5qFb_EKDAXd_UdKAw2ed7LXiEp9yk0g9GrF0JCaBMNGcuEr0RbvYZz3hBgS/s1024/wood_sandpiper_7jan20_1024w_2753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cNWU6O76JfYEC90_vwQlYZXz6r79it-454NXVCSbCepv4bgISk5ajwQR3wHNXURzdNCRMDLGu5qFb_EKDAXd_UdKAw2ed7LXiEp9yk0g9GrF0JCaBMNGcuEr0RbvYZz3hBgS/s320/wood_sandpiper_7jan20_1024w_2753.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Sandpiper <i>Tringa glareola</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK90F4SvszHLQoAnFFurrP2-6q91eIP1PI-zr92FHnd_KUnJWfWWZCf9Md28_BTYt8MnxBhfsQNr_-UNZORPxOxKMylBOt4t6GmWYl9f8v8w4bSTVeQP2unOsWdemL0yoO1zOY/s768/yellow-vented_bulbul_7jan20_768p_2811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="657" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK90F4SvszHLQoAnFFurrP2-6q91eIP1PI-zr92FHnd_KUnJWfWWZCf9Md28_BTYt8MnxBhfsQNr_-UNZORPxOxKMylBOt4t6GmWYl9f8v8w4bSTVeQP2unOsWdemL0yoO1zOY/s320/yellow-vented_bulbul_7jan20_768p_2811.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-vented Bulbul <i>Pycnonotus goiavier</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsqOkj7CzUnbAFvJhNJI2U7f_uSNWKPFRIo9yfEeD_vM2ohLi3CgVuFjM4cXoYFvV9RtD4jAdy_lh6mzvOxB2zcMLeJ9vHTLrflyuS0P1ordzoU47wJoU43yaU1YgO4Tw1Xue/s1024/oriental_reed_warbler_7jan20_1024l_2728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsqOkj7CzUnbAFvJhNJI2U7f_uSNWKPFRIo9yfEeD_vM2ohLi3CgVuFjM4cXoYFvV9RtD4jAdy_lh6mzvOxB2zcMLeJ9vHTLrflyuS0P1ordzoU47wJoU43yaU1YgO4Tw1Xue/s320/oriental_reed_warbler_7jan20_1024l_2728.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Reed Warbler <i>Acrocephalus orientalis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTPFIEodhiUO7M2mjdGXYpkxoOf5iUAv1hPW8ZTvIIx05dPrTI1lRs1cYf07ieqR2tseFp9mGXyxcH6PUPoUHqvFW5o7pkWL_gJpYDHEBUmjo9apVSrIPxzqLCScxCjrH_DQo/s1024/common_palmfly_7jan20_1024l_2812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTPFIEodhiUO7M2mjdGXYpkxoOf5iUAv1hPW8ZTvIIx05dPrTI1lRs1cYf07ieqR2tseFp9mGXyxcH6PUPoUHqvFW5o7pkWL_gJpYDHEBUmjo9apVSrIPxzqLCScxCjrH_DQo/s320/common_palmfly_7jan20_1024l_2812.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Palmfly <i>Elymnias hypermnestra</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7m_HK8VMj1LDYPLdYgDsQUHmso2PPeroTvZZUbHgU1k1WDDnzjS128N2wnXOF8wqd5PyRnC2_KWBN0vCMWGRt68_yWNJSP5DeFQ4-6ZjEg_YfSx0VFbdXwhR3Tg65MomLsQd/s912/common_tiger_6jan20_768s_2654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="912" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7m_HK8VMj1LDYPLdYgDsQUHmso2PPeroTvZZUbHgU1k1WDDnzjS128N2wnXOF8wqd5PyRnC2_KWBN0vCMWGRt68_yWNJSP5DeFQ4-6ZjEg_YfSx0VFbdXwhR3Tg65MomLsQd/s320/common_tiger_6jan20_768s_2654.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Tiger <i>Danaus genutia</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05k3TfuWSrU1EkCnhUMW-pn-Uuu6qfYSWDM0KTPCMRgTjKaB4OE_4GP3mNQVd0FMCF2DjjdkfQhEa3O67ffP8HPHEXiKD4aNhrbefD_srHJIanSxp5654BlFHE1TfwRJpYU4c/s1200/green_marsh-hawk_6jan20_1200w_2669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05k3TfuWSrU1EkCnhUMW-pn-Uuu6qfYSWDM0KTPCMRgTjKaB4OE_4GP3mNQVd0FMCF2DjjdkfQhEa3O67ffP8HPHEXiKD4aNhrbefD_srHJIanSxp5654BlFHE1TfwRJpYU4c/s320/green_marsh-hawk_6jan20_1200w_2669.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Marsh Hawk (Slender Skimmer) <i>Orthetrum sabina</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-54653122469210618222019-03-18T20:30:00.014+00:002021-11-22T20:07:20.503+00:00Ko Phayam<p>Our final week in Thailand and we chose this remote island on the Andaman Sea; off the beaten track, secluded and great value. The journey started with a lift to the centre of Chumphon, where we bought our sleeper tickets for the journey back to Bangkok at the end of the week. From there we took a minivan for 200 baht each which crossed the narrowest point of the Malay Peninsular then went south along the Myanmar border next to the long estuary of the Kraburi river to the border town of Ranong, where we stopped overnight.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdj0P7P9AKc_vOP_Um-ttIlCB5WLMQBp701o7n6x7lpkrxYKoT-XRIMvTPM1mntk51eAOkrZCD_howCHqKNWVm5O9dD-T3CkdU62-mO91NpmciPoRIrSogA8WlR_lqjQQZp2V/s1024/slow_boat_13mar19_1024w_100849.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1024" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdj0P7P9AKc_vOP_Um-ttIlCB5WLMQBp701o7n6x7lpkrxYKoT-XRIMvTPM1mntk51eAOkrZCD_howCHqKNWVm5O9dD-T3CkdU62-mO91NpmciPoRIrSogA8WlR_lqjQQZp2V/w400-h235/slow_boat_13mar19_1024w_100849.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Slow Boat, Ranong to Ko Phayam</td></tr></tbody></table>A local songthaew for 20 baht each took us to the pier where, because of a very low tide, we had to wait for a transfer to another pier. Thought we were being scammed but it was legitimate and free. The slow boat was 200 baht per person and took an entertaining two and a half hours. It passes vast swathes of mangrove forest and several other islands on the way. In theory the boat also serves one of these islands but to stay on Koh Chang (same name as a better known island in the Gulf of Thailand) you need to get a boat to come out to meet you as it passes. With barely any roads, this would be a real remote island adventure.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C15fPNMtDsvK2_woCflv21nJv_ZmxxT00snzy23QfR0la9P4EwtKAu_RtwTCfb88O2wrlUu6fWn36XuvRZv3Zgv1a_8YQccBYT55bY5umxCbCgupPFl3G7l0vT0VppD3rgw0/s767/large_flying_fox_16mar19_768t_4081.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="559" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C15fPNMtDsvK2_woCflv21nJv_ZmxxT00snzy23QfR0la9P4EwtKAu_RtwTCfb88O2wrlUu6fWn36XuvRZv3Zgv1a_8YQccBYT55bY5umxCbCgupPFl3G7l0vT0VppD3rgw0/w291-h400/large_flying_fox_16mar19_768t_4081.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large Flying Fox <i>Pteropus vampyrus</i></td></tr></tbody></table>On the southern tip of Koh Chang is the tiny uninhabited island of Koh Thalu. The dense forest on here thinned at the peak where maybe 200 <b>Large Flying Foxes</b> could be seen hanging from trees and flying around. Clearly larger than the nearby Brahminy Kites, these are very impressive bats even at a distance from the boat. I later found a roost of these on Ko Phayam (where this photo was taken) and we could see them from our accommodation as they flew out to feed at dusk.<div><br /></div><div>Birds seen from the crossing included Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Oriental Pied Hornbill and a few Pacific Swallows.<p></p><p>At the pier on Ko Phyam we hired a scooter and got ourselves over to The Rasta House set next to a small abandoned rubber plantation close to the southern end of Ao Khao Kwai, the bay on the NW side of the island. Really friendly hosts and a fabulous bungalow high on stilts at a great price meant we were extremely happy here. It was incredibly hot and there was no air conditioning but we'd become quite well acclimatised over the previous 2-3 months and were able to sit on the balcony watching the wildlife and take morning and evening walks down to the beach.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqdh81jxXCXSoWv7HxyqRheaXDAJLJGJImI8gaVTHv7Lsi_Fbu8t63QEfXqMjocBVznGIiXBE2s-6XbtinKTSUFdWHgu91UXgzqUFTzRmZvI_YI9hY2I72oiSk4_bIjXrjhyphenhyphene/s768/rasta_house_13mar19_768p_171010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="679" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqdh81jxXCXSoWv7HxyqRheaXDAJLJGJImI8gaVTHv7Lsi_Fbu8t63QEfXqMjocBVznGIiXBE2s-6XbtinKTSUFdWHgu91UXgzqUFTzRmZvI_YI9hY2I72oiSk4_bIjXrjhyphenhyphene/w354-h400/rasta_house_13mar19_768p_171010.jpg" width="354" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rasta House</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The <b>Spotted Gliding Lizards</b> were particularly entertaining as they flew between the rubber trees. One or two Oriental Pied Hornbills visited often and a pair of Olive-backed Sunbirds were nesting right by the house.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoL2TfIpvFe828xmaBjl-l4gQyEm-3wIpFmjpkkZ8sMy5PAogNakWStJthwn1M4Kjum-3E-cxgkNqSga-2uKd-u5QsQHMO-ipyOeqdmnDCf3zmZNb0gi98gf3Fh9ohkTadIDL/s768/spotted_gliding_lizard_13mar19_768p_3988.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="582" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoL2TfIpvFe828xmaBjl-l4gQyEm-3wIpFmjpkkZ8sMy5PAogNakWStJthwn1M4Kjum-3E-cxgkNqSga-2uKd-u5QsQHMO-ipyOeqdmnDCf3zmZNb0gi98gf3Fh9ohkTadIDL/w304-h400/spotted_gliding_lizard_13mar19_768p_3988.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted Gliding Lizard <i>Draco maculatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8kHzkERWLwWh4Vg8Pcx2hsXCy9j-W2dEQk4iO-itwvakEIDI9VvfUyv_PZ7ic6jUWxdd2PQulw55FXH7rKa0pBKNwmwgtHoFGhwsM1qfL42pUtEq5IdUuSaudUEieKgegeea/s768/oriental_pied_hornbill_15mar19_768p_4061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="588" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8kHzkERWLwWh4Vg8Pcx2hsXCy9j-W2dEQk4iO-itwvakEIDI9VvfUyv_PZ7ic6jUWxdd2PQulw55FXH7rKa0pBKNwmwgtHoFGhwsM1qfL42pUtEq5IdUuSaudUEieKgegeea/w306-h400/oriental_pied_hornbill_15mar19_768p_4061.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Pied Hornbill <i>Anthracoceros albirostris</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="594" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hkcuxy-mDPzzX9y9YZ4hVw-KpaLHT7I24JEpAfhioGL1CjUd5j5ykbiGTDBot0OYilbvSN9J9fx6ofZlm13SVvLxYeZLdCdk_kMMo-K7os3lahizHJZFRaWjC6WboQL7q1N9/w310-h400/olive-backed_sunbird_nest_15mar19_768p_4071.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="310" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive-backed Sunbird <i>Cinnyris jugularis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCccmw1wshLbf7UYlYVD1NjyciPE0SeUKSvk6jpIhYzBA-1IQ7REr7jiZ0FXwuwx6Fg6kzyIl66mUWL6oSP6zoVQLpJyIumaQZjyZWfEePzpEl-485lEZKUERt29NzvG2j2PcH/s1366/ao_khao_kwai_16mar19_1366ww_080731.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1366" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCccmw1wshLbf7UYlYVD1NjyciPE0SeUKSvk6jpIhYzBA-1IQ7REr7jiZ0FXwuwx6Fg6kzyIl66mUWL6oSP6zoVQLpJyIumaQZjyZWfEePzpEl-485lEZKUERt29NzvG2j2PcH/w400-h198/ao_khao_kwai_16mar19_1366ww_080731.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ao Khao Kwai</td></tr></tbody></table>From eBird it appears this is a rather underwatched area and there must be potential to find birds, especially during migration seasons. For example there is only one hotspot listed for the island and the last Great-eared Nightjar record is 2002 but these were singing dawn and dusk throughout our stay and seen occasionally. I concentrated my efforts around the extensive intertidal area and adjacent scrub, forest and mangroves at the southwest end of Ao Khao Kwai, also known as Buffalo Beach. This and the other main beach of Ao Yai both had most developments set back from the shore with only a few bars tucked into the edge giving them a really deserted feel.<br /><p>At low tide the mud flats had armies of small crabs swarming across them and that attracted Pacific Reef-herons, Little Egrets, Striated Herons and Pond Herons, including one or two Chinese Pond Herons coming into breeding plumage. There were some larger crabs too and a curious Box Fish, unfortunately dead.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn904CrFj1XdHg5V_bCXKd78-faosQg5zETCWZ-uRrl068gGWZ_X8zNPe5HQFw7wEYMLnX95XVSThmUjXjZjm5WxSgq4A5zfWlP1oKxoJaqjdpdtjiadclulhP0tbOKKCU7dJe/s822/crab_13mar19_768s_3994.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="822" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn904CrFj1XdHg5V_bCXKd78-faosQg5zETCWZ-uRrl068gGWZ_X8zNPe5HQFw7wEYMLnX95XVSThmUjXjZjm5WxSgq4A5zfWlP1oKxoJaqjdpdtjiadclulhP0tbOKKCU7dJe/w400-h374/crab_13mar19_768s_3994.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Land Hermit Crab <i>Coenobita</i> sp. probably <i>rugosus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcD15Dj2VnT0rSatdMZLCmHwc1VJw_TGt6hP20w6DPft43DpkMkVlQey2tLN72jb244IYx1ZBFPYhj5BowlUHOojCGdUHM2VSWkaYEN116yhw9tGJbK1O4lUeBtRxJpqObbX-/s1366/crab_with_eggs_13mar19_1366ww_3993.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1366" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcD15Dj2VnT0rSatdMZLCmHwc1VJw_TGt6hP20w6DPft43DpkMkVlQey2tLN72jb244IYx1ZBFPYhj5BowlUHOojCGdUHM2VSWkaYEN116yhw9tGJbK1O4lUeBtRxJpqObbX-/w400-h220/crab_with_eggs_13mar19_1366ww_3993.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horned Ghost Crab <i>Oxypode ceratophthalmus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURJoZFdWA23fYWdycP7OqRq_qlEyjoszIlRtwLXjX4mG3gqvaRBEzYKHDuOl9t263uHHf61Yo4VkKWSLp3t10Yg-ORbVc50x7Qm8nknqs9BAG5pOwkC55iRtF9tjFBAbgfnvG/s1200/box_fish_16mar19_1200w_080629.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1200" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURJoZFdWA23fYWdycP7OqRq_qlEyjoszIlRtwLXjX4mG3gqvaRBEzYKHDuOl9t263uHHf61Yo4VkKWSLp3t10Yg-ORbVc50x7Qm8nknqs9BAG5pOwkC55iRtF9tjFBAbgfnvG/w400-h233/box_fish_16mar19_1200w_080629.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horn Nose Boxfish <i>Ostracion rhinorhynchos</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>A flock of Lesser and Greater Sandplovers were on the flats at times. Some of the Greaters were starting to come into breeding plumage.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaSRuBe8sqRgFjGyCvSZrcbYdrl8e7Sk3XTdzhl9v-OZ6TLpGvxExaOWy6fS-NclmQ54G5wP9YboZyGnIfdov8X97eQVrNzsmsKJQE2NFyZC1kt50i_tU-iA3DihBeIiZOi4_/s1024/greater_sandplover_14mar19_1024l_4041.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1024" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaSRuBe8sqRgFjGyCvSZrcbYdrl8e7Sk3XTdzhl9v-OZ6TLpGvxExaOWy6fS-NclmQ54G5wP9YboZyGnIfdov8X97eQVrNzsmsKJQE2NFyZC1kt50i_tU-iA3DihBeIiZOi4_/w400-h259/greater_sandplover_14mar19_1024l_4041.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Sandplover <i>Charadrius leschenaultii</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />At the western end is an inlet and the start of a small mangrove forest. Common Sandpiper and Collared Kingfishers were here and a pair of White-bellied Sea-eagles on a nest just on the other side.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EKS4GG68eDyx8lK-8V_xtocq3EDfo0ruXPUzhHRcu39TIw6Mz2FnjGJ_N7ClGACOK8OvEoYOn9Bu_3jJB497a6lOaLhTvCbG2ZOjBVd033tn3nWpxxHMr4ZMXE4t-YD3hMde/s768/collared_kingfisher_14mar19_768p_4044.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="693" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EKS4GG68eDyx8lK-8V_xtocq3EDfo0ruXPUzhHRcu39TIw6Mz2FnjGJ_N7ClGACOK8OvEoYOn9Bu_3jJB497a6lOaLhTvCbG2ZOjBVd033tn3nWpxxHMr4ZMXE4t-YD3hMde/w361-h400/collared_kingfisher_14mar19_768p_4044.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collared Kingfisher <i>Todiramphus chloris</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEkujqi7z7qJC5uIkrBkf01uToZwTQh-iZcJVvvq_Fnc2F84JRJJ5qk7HtM7ypQNhvtWEzqotCS6KtpFdMFHOPFn185EoZUJxG7n7WxSl3BrzhEcM0TbnXmEhD38egNZJFUai/s1024/white-bellied_eagle_nest_14mar19_1024w_4047.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1024" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEkujqi7z7qJC5uIkrBkf01uToZwTQh-iZcJVvvq_Fnc2F84JRJJ5qk7HtM7ypQNhvtWEzqotCS6KtpFdMFHOPFn185EoZUJxG7n7WxSl3BrzhEcM0TbnXmEhD38egNZJFUai/w400-h224/white-bellied_eagle_nest_14mar19_1024w_4047.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-bellied Sea-eagle <i>Haliaeetus leucogaster</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nQFXnwEKvvEU1YC9Gug3WQUbmHWyhZMp9zh44x4rYbN3pjuMhUj9AuTWCUyVZrFzNosOXResjECcms11n3oxqyQngDiEt_vVJCqKLDGypMyerlfLpzjA_52F3vx-VBX06Sk0/s2048/moken_bridge_16mar19_2160ww.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="2048" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nQFXnwEKvvEU1YC9Gug3WQUbmHWyhZMp9zh44x4rYbN3pjuMhUj9AuTWCUyVZrFzNosOXResjECcms11n3oxqyQngDiEt_vVJCqKLDGypMyerlfLpzjA_52F3vx-VBX06Sk0/w400-h206/moken_bridge_16mar19_2160ww.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>At the time of our visit the land on the far side of the inlet was cut off and a new bridge, being constructed to link the Moken community who live there with the rest of the island, remained unfinished and abandoned. In 2021, thanks to a Thai charity, a bamboo bridge has been built and Moken children can now attend school in Ko Phayam without have to wade through feet of mud.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although traditionally nomadic people spending much of their time at sea, many Moken have become more settled in places like this so projects like this are very valuable.<br /><p>Just before the bridge was the richest area in terms of birdlife. Sandy scrub and a mix of woodland held a lot of interest and there was evidence of the start of migration through here. Oriental Pied Hornbill, Pink-necked Green-pigeon, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Dollarbird, Vernal Hanging-parrot, sooty and white-headed Ashy Drongos, Olive-winged Bulbul (plus Red-eyed, Yellow-vented and Streak-eared), Asian Brown Flycatcher, Thick-billed Warbler, an Arctic Warbler type and Brown-throated Sunbird.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0iVqlpt3LjF6lQoK0v0BgIchfP03mFdeZGxm1ykqusg22U5Rvf0kECK1txjArE5GCxiK5iE0HZqT-1bZ1z-G5GUC_QPxh-zP0X03cXG54oS0o9lojz9s-Dx2Rkkw3qRVOGNE/s768/ashy_drongo_white-faced_15mar19_768t_4068.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="548" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0iVqlpt3LjF6lQoK0v0BgIchfP03mFdeZGxm1ykqusg22U5Rvf0kECK1txjArE5GCxiK5iE0HZqT-1bZ1z-G5GUC_QPxh-zP0X03cXG54oS0o9lojz9s-Dx2Rkkw3qRVOGNE/w285-h400/ashy_drongo_white-faced_15mar19_768t_4068.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashy Drongo (Chinese White-faced) <i>Dicrurus leucophaeus [innexus Group]</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5eq9cUdvP-ZyLv9uNF9OFBkCtQAfbt_hsdASwE-3pTVRkJlC3Sceoo_tRktU8Qw0cOwFant3bhxdLXUq5yNBH818Ym3bEBcgbBlnsPa2gdTZZFccuYiokFcfhtGuGToR4krt/s800/olive-winged_bulbul_15mar19_800w_4055.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="800" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5eq9cUdvP-ZyLv9uNF9OFBkCtQAfbt_hsdASwE-3pTVRkJlC3Sceoo_tRktU8Qw0cOwFant3bhxdLXUq5yNBH818Ym3bEBcgbBlnsPa2gdTZZFccuYiokFcfhtGuGToR4krt/w400-h241/olive-winged_bulbul_15mar19_800w_4055.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive-winged Bulbul <i>Pycnonotus plumosus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm8RM7TBGQiae-hTzbA2E82KazBSuuYace08wttIVA7bmC9AsZH73aHqegmfv18wXYOWZOJkRaWD0gOPolEYYVOwBNHrZDV1drT1RBsiw5x0eYxAmBHq2PK9BVeqQCselJOLT/s768/pink-necked_pigeon_15mar19_768p_4058.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="585" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm8RM7TBGQiae-hTzbA2E82KazBSuuYace08wttIVA7bmC9AsZH73aHqegmfv18wXYOWZOJkRaWD0gOPolEYYVOwBNHrZDV1drT1RBsiw5x0eYxAmBHq2PK9BVeqQCselJOLT/w305-h400/pink-necked_pigeon_15mar19_768p_4058.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink-necked Green-pigeon <i>Treron vernans</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmL4hRC7PGwQ4Bj6yaNaV7OmEBwOPY7JlIZ9-Cq5jFM3yw9BQi_N_32aZnKweAEf8hMN_eRLAtQe9QGod-WW6oKdVidBYhwFDi1GCGVzejYntyr1QpgmM6NwbhudQYksNva-t/s768/cashews_15mar19_768t_084959.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="491" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmL4hRC7PGwQ4Bj6yaNaV7OmEBwOPY7JlIZ9-Cq5jFM3yw9BQi_N_32aZnKweAEf8hMN_eRLAtQe9QGod-WW6oKdVidBYhwFDi1GCGVzejYntyr1QpgmM6NwbhudQYksNva-t/w256-h400/cashews_15mar19_768t_084959.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>No blog about Ko Phayam would be complete without a mention of the cashews. They are everywhere. It fascinated us the first time we saw a cashew tree in SE Asia but this place takes it to another level. The roads are stained with red from the fallen "apples" that get run over and you can come across people processing the nuts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although the apple is completely edible (and tastes rather like an actual apple), the nut is contained in a shell that releases a corrosive oil when opened. The process of getting to an edible nut is tricky, potentially unpleasant and labour intensive and each fruit bears just one nut. So the cashew is not a true nut that grows at the end of an apple that isn't a true fruit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqA7pb-c6gAm7sajAJBFPhesctfzw8A1lSntNFqeSzTJnkp2ZqHrhapC7fKSZFUGi8-84vo6t4QNxrCaDIWJLCvqxbsGKmMTFbQjyOfP3BWylCxm_k6mARp6M24aJ5FQXVnPA/s1024/preparing_cashews_16mar19_1024l_091050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqA7pb-c6gAm7sajAJBFPhesctfzw8A1lSntNFqeSzTJnkp2ZqHrhapC7fKSZFUGi8-84vo6t4QNxrCaDIWJLCvqxbsGKmMTFbQjyOfP3BWylCxm_k6mARp6M24aJ5FQXVnPA/w400-h268/preparing_cashews_16mar19_1024l_091050.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I wouldn't normally include so many general scenes on this mainly wildlife blog but Ko Phayam is possibly one of the most idyllic, beautiful places we've ever visited. The roads are only wide enough for two scooters to pass and the only other vehicles on the island were tiny tractors used to farm the cashews. A chance to return would be very welcome indeed, but we feel extremely fortunate to have been able to spend this time here. I suspect migration time would be fascinating.</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-4zLI3GP7HGEGCNkxAkGp2X2lNjZt749CMajl9DnEi377Ql7y_xKuQCMpY6bD6AtrIq664gcqLT99esfiBcDFJOp8dPwfStjlmXTNWBuLdb6VzKyU1gIv_GYpLZvXdJcXt2r/s1200/sunset_ao_khao_kwai_north_17mar19_1200w_182317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1200" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-4zLI3GP7HGEGCNkxAkGp2X2lNjZt749CMajl9DnEi377Ql7y_xKuQCMpY6bD6AtrIq664gcqLT99esfiBcDFJOp8dPwfStjlmXTNWBuLdb6VzKyU1gIv_GYpLZvXdJcXt2r/w400-h246/sunset_ao_khao_kwai_north_17mar19_1200w_182317.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNaz1n3iP2HWLj5NJh9lH6JiEJJhAJqBkRrtFR93QPDGwrzEWb2kgMeLtsgE5q9HGbpEHU9IbqyZIlulp1djRka76pamrdh9aej-bKUup8jZQWnVVrslvJ8zvRS3tuLngXREH/s768/sunset_ao_khao_kwai_north_17mar19_768t_182392.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="567" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNaz1n3iP2HWLj5NJh9lH6JiEJJhAJqBkRrtFR93QPDGwrzEWb2kgMeLtsgE5q9HGbpEHU9IbqyZIlulp1djRka76pamrdh9aej-bKUup8jZQWnVVrslvJ8zvRS3tuLngXREH/w295-h400/sunset_ao_khao_kwai_north_17mar19_768t_182392.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1mvOBGqB4DipNsSKPEyZ7AdsdtDERPVvliAY297OPvhlHRiiDORmnYmfPx9TfxuXyxNTMEw-iGryo0nnBgNFerG09zpmcJpU8Jmp8qBSAKiDaolXmgP92FxirUYGINwHRO8d/s768/sunset_ao_khao_kwai_north_17mar19_768s_181227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="739" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1mvOBGqB4DipNsSKPEyZ7AdsdtDERPVvliAY297OPvhlHRiiDORmnYmfPx9TfxuXyxNTMEw-iGryo0nnBgNFerG09zpmcJpU8Jmp8qBSAKiDaolXmgP92FxirUYGINwHRO8d/w385-h400/sunset_ao_khao_kwai_north_17mar19_768s_181227.jpg" width="385" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRbA6YB0JTfZcPVmTFRxmw_e-AHYohufAuOJm3e-ufVgEyqSryACfrkcOEgL-IBIic_qTaAlmgHQi5bCXnXcmFx0vaxeCmF_sdNoxKisRu_AqQLGvHtF8ouSjkBDi-vtqg-Q2/s768/sunset_ao_khao_kwai_north_17mar19_768p_180852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="679" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRbA6YB0JTfZcPVmTFRxmw_e-AHYohufAuOJm3e-ufVgEyqSryACfrkcOEgL-IBIic_qTaAlmgHQi5bCXnXcmFx0vaxeCmF_sdNoxKisRu_AqQLGvHtF8ouSjkBDi-vtqg-Q2/w354-h400/sunset_ao_khao_kwai_north_17mar19_768p_180852.jpg" width="354" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_iQsHoQXff3aB4JYJj9qynMhFJQwMheig8nldxe8G_jUXikH0hJJjwsMnGNeqxVS5wctb6g3XM6uW_gT8_VF5gk5vp1DHHkMDqWmLLa2jMe4ZDmkn9P2yWsAFFTMphBJQd-c/s1366/sunset_ao_khao_kwai_15mar19_1366ww_181014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1366" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_iQsHoQXff3aB4JYJj9qynMhFJQwMheig8nldxe8G_jUXikH0hJJjwsMnGNeqxVS5wctb6g3XM6uW_gT8_VF5gk5vp1DHHkMDqWmLLa2jMe4ZDmkn9P2yWsAFFTMphBJQd-c/w400-h217/sunset_ao_khao_kwai_15mar19_1366ww_181014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12Hpi83-hGg-WArU1ACQH7BQlWgh7YO9OZo2N8cjdmSVQ8HmXQ70H2z1gSjbsUCGL-aGvBJAPVBbZAaZ-miU8lDD6Vvc5u5lXFz2ReZfeT7O5ndOB-N042pswe28lXlziMPYC/s1200/hot_dog_14mar19_1200w_4049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1200" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12Hpi83-hGg-WArU1ACQH7BQlWgh7YO9OZo2N8cjdmSVQ8HmXQ70H2z1gSjbsUCGL-aGvBJAPVBbZAaZ-miU8lDD6Vvc5u5lXFz2ReZfeT7O5ndOB-N042pswe28lXlziMPYC/w400-h224/hot_dog_14mar19_1200w_4049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0KPqkF0sRmT8hhHq7Ogc2d0eCnTxWJe-vVrgD4rXfWlINcWsvhQHCRh9yAjTgt5yeulotnA_2vwEiCD2XgpqKcm0D8J8M_mu0S4XiR-s5_fzb4qTHrD-w0lVuBfrt9SCFNdZ/s768/hippy_bar_ao_khao_kwai_17mar19_768p_180902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="553" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0KPqkF0sRmT8hhHq7Ogc2d0eCnTxWJe-vVrgD4rXfWlINcWsvhQHCRh9yAjTgt5yeulotnA_2vwEiCD2XgpqKcm0D8J8M_mu0S4XiR-s5_fzb4qTHrD-w0lVuBfrt9SCFNdZ/w288-h400/hippy_bar_ao_khao_kwai_17mar19_768p_180902.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUxczt0c_pcHTWrrH77s_EHXFIZFk-QqflS1Yp47_gisfIcHyIN__Zu-lzD6RV1MDsq0Z3D9Oi0W7gGi9Tg_lXy3w1j0CZgMBfR3dZghvyANrFWZ4r9vafC7ypY6aptl0vpfB/s768/cha_chi_home_signs_14mar19_768t_195150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="486" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUxczt0c_pcHTWrrH77s_EHXFIZFk-QqflS1Yp47_gisfIcHyIN__Zu-lzD6RV1MDsq0Z3D9Oi0W7gGi9Tg_lXy3w1j0CZgMBfR3dZghvyANrFWZ4r9vafC7ypY6aptl0vpfB/w254-h400/cha_chi_home_signs_14mar19_768t_195150.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdJN1jPn90Mkab5PvVD3C1U1iM0jYa4Ucsue_0hKck45vjg9LODHoJ5kKKp7HP9tyGpasFplzFN8pg9v2AsMcxFIrfz21ewnRLR9m9MqC9Yi9iFYo2b7V5XLX2uwBMDEeLxmo/s1024/cha_chi_home_14mar19_1024w_193057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1024" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdJN1jPn90Mkab5PvVD3C1U1iM0jYa4Ucsue_0hKck45vjg9LODHoJ5kKKp7HP9tyGpasFplzFN8pg9v2AsMcxFIrfz21ewnRLR9m9MqC9Yi9iFYo2b7V5XLX2uwBMDEeLxmo/w400-h258/cha_chi_home_14mar19_1024w_193057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagfFHJuCcJCSN_Qa3U65vhbvLMRmczmFbegkT2g_tNGoynlJ-GnexerHbLvDHBjz6rwe0oXMldyL8lL35Q1XP9vbew_qU1oDXQ8GrAso_o33IQKcvNf_l_vbgNudKCBkc2DUG/s1366/ao_yai_15mar19_1366ww_161114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1366" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagfFHJuCcJCSN_Qa3U65vhbvLMRmczmFbegkT2g_tNGoynlJ-GnexerHbLvDHBjz6rwe0oXMldyL8lL35Q1XP9vbew_qU1oDXQ8GrAso_o33IQKcvNf_l_vbgNudKCBkc2DUG/w400-h217/ao_yai_15mar19_1366ww_161114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7YPozVZD07CcIoAaOADcjA0x7EIVKzx3itT9uH2P7qXJzrohYR7iXEVWdT-3v13TIm3Q23WiesFzMComENa4obj7-JB9SYMDJLuZO_DU-TseXSmNhqHfv37ZYQYfJaSgIf3N/s1200/ao_kwang_peeb_16mar19_1200w_150650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1200" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7YPozVZD07CcIoAaOADcjA0x7EIVKzx3itT9uH2P7qXJzrohYR7iXEVWdT-3v13TIm3Q23WiesFzMComENa4obj7-JB9SYMDJLuZO_DU-TseXSmNhqHfv37ZYQYfJaSgIf3N/w400-h239/ao_kwang_peeb_16mar19_1200w_150650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri8VbgHCwGtA8q7IHiuGTUrowb2woCFIC3OlX0J1_7yk8fXXtpbNjpEijrDPPPcCTJuF7JVmxOhk8nrbrC8CHrAlkTYIN6zY2lbXB1vt1vfO-01S0-okag5QTyCWPtewHeDEy/s1024/ao_khao_kwai_north_17mar19_1024l_181237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1024" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri8VbgHCwGtA8q7IHiuGTUrowb2woCFIC3OlX0J1_7yk8fXXtpbNjpEijrDPPPcCTJuF7JVmxOhk8nrbrC8CHrAlkTYIN6zY2lbXB1vt1vfO-01S0-okag5QTyCWPtewHeDEy/w400-h280/ao_khao_kwai_north_17mar19_1024l_181237.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><p>46 species recorded here:</p><div>Spotted Dove</div><div>Pink-necked Green-Pigeon</div><div>Greater Coucal</div><div>Great Eared-Nightjar</div><div>Large-tailed Nightjar</div><div>Plume-toed Swiftlet</div><div>Red-wattled Lapwing</div><div>Lesser Sand Plover</div><div>Greater Sand Plover</div><div>Common Sandpiper</div><div>Little Cormorant</div><div>Pacific Reef-Heron</div><div>Striated Heron</div><div>Crested Honey-buzzard</div><div>Shikra</div><div>Brahminy Kite</div><div>White-bellied Sea-Eagle</div><div>Brown Boobook</div><div>Oriental Pied-Hornbill</div><div>White-throated Kingfisher</div><div>Collared Kingfisher</div><div>Chestnut-headed Bee-eater</div><div>Dollarbird</div><div>Coppersmith Barbet</div><div>Vernal Hanging-Parrot</div><div>Black-naped Oriole</div><div>Ashy Drongo</div><div>Brown Shrike</div><div>Large-billed Crow</div><div>Dark-necked Tailorbird</div><div>Thick-billed Warbler</div><div>Barn Swallow</div><div>Pacific Swallow</div><div>Black-headed Bulbul</div><div>Yellow-vented Bulbul</div><div>Olive-winged Bulbul</div><div>Streak-eared Bulbul</div><div>Red-eyed Bulbul</div><div>Common Myna</div><div>Asian Brown Flycatcher</div><div>Oriental Magpie-Robin</div><div>White-rumped Shama</div><div>Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker</div><div>Brown-throated Sunbird</div><div>Olive-backed Sunbird</div><div>Forest Wagtail</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-74464697645667259982019-03-12T12:30:00.003+00:002023-02-18T04:41:02.892+00:00Chumphon<p>We'd selected our final destination for this trip and on the way decided to stay at a place our old neighbours recommended. The journey involved a taxi (a mate of the owner who turned up late, because he was getting his hair cut, in a battered Toyota with no brakes) to Khanom town, a bus we cuaght by a minute that took us to Surat Thani van station and a local bus to the train station. The train to Chumphon was a delightful 80 pence each for the hot and sweaty three and a half hour journey, and paying attention out of the window netted me Racket-tailed Treepie, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Cinnamon Bittern, Little, Intermediate & Eastern Cattle Egrets, White-breasted Waterhen, White-throated Kingfisher, Greater Coucal, etc. many of those in the Pak Tako region.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkDvhzFiBp9_hbWqe9UeP2nmL_xZMW93ZN2uv-XLqhXko7qZOG6Luxz7zeg6sezqdZTks8gXsWfYAKUqBV8nyxyIeJlEPwP-8huJS5q5rWEU5i_sNTe7rnAf8l8rrhV2JE00Q/s1200/taphap_river_12mar19_1200w_095247.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1200" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkDvhzFiBp9_hbWqe9UeP2nmL_xZMW93ZN2uv-XLqhXko7qZOG6Luxz7zeg6sezqdZTks8gXsWfYAKUqBV8nyxyIeJlEPwP-8huJS5q5rWEU5i_sNTe7rnAf8l8rrhV2JE00Q/w400-h238/taphap_river_12mar19_1200w_095247.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Villa Varich was a more up market resort than we are used to. Based south of town on the Tha Taphap river and had bicycles and kayaks for use free of charge. An excellent breakfast was also included so the £16 a night for an en suite air conditioned room was pretty good value. They grew and roasted their own coffee on site, which was a bit wasted on me as I can't stand the stuff but was fascinating to see.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5zCwcPThqo_tx4Hu8pElGfESWrrRdRxbuxbX4JM9MG9NN6Ih62mApTpTeh69DQ9KYVOkfFLnN51EP_m91roQilBSo8gyk1XRL34j8UpbeR16GC6GB_cFYNLhi4dTOQ-usBit/s1200/cocoa_11mar19_1200w_134357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1200" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5zCwcPThqo_tx4Hu8pElGfESWrrRdRxbuxbX4JM9MG9NN6Ih62mApTpTeh69DQ9KYVOkfFLnN51EP_m91roQilBSo8gyk1XRL34j8UpbeR16GC6GB_cFYNLhi4dTOQ-usBit/w400-h238/cocoa_11mar19_1200w_134357.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyANuSI7GKCf5MrNTkp9SHP3JxiT3Gbszi-AmfaThutWiL58U86jw1boujxt-kHeyK4bJCWHWxjTkhE5G2Z1kLLIEKolsWNNNUAm8pHcWu89VPkceU95CCCJrfjelHCNn_1RvX/s1024/roasting_coffee_11mar19_1024l_110712.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1024" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyANuSI7GKCf5MrNTkp9SHP3JxiT3Gbszi-AmfaThutWiL58U86jw1boujxt-kHeyK4bJCWHWxjTkhE5G2Z1kLLIEKolsWNNNUAm8pHcWu89VPkceU95CCCJrfjelHCNn_1RvX/w400-h288/roasting_coffee_11mar19_1024l_110712.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Plenty of common birds about and getting out on bikes among the wet palm groves and farmland increased the variety. We took one trip down river on kayaks and had great views of Black-capped Kingfisher as well as a few White-breasted Waterhens, Striated Heron, etc. Other highlights include Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Grey-headed Swamphen, Purple Heron and Indochinese Roller.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBWd7D_wp2zGCfk8OC9-lujXiG-MyXv-yGknXPi5sM4c1qpTkZ8Kcbk30Lo11kboNmd6AAEh-ry1NHz5pjHW6XKw0Er0UYLczZuwOKfXjWxMCOBlY7HULnRtSfd2VTveqRrUO/s1440/indochinese_roller_11mar19_1440p_3967.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1260" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBWd7D_wp2zGCfk8OC9-lujXiG-MyXv-yGknXPi5sM4c1qpTkZ8Kcbk30Lo11kboNmd6AAEh-ry1NHz5pjHW6XKw0Er0UYLczZuwOKfXjWxMCOBlY7HULnRtSfd2VTveqRrUO/w350-h400/indochinese_roller_11mar19_1440p_3967.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indochinese Roller <i>Coracias affinis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0-1w-dZI7YaOognUD14VeqOGs8QUTAywTYfBF0xSAd9I-KCvbJ6SjlWgHVYRp31NivXB4UMLNOGHosFv9ZKdBFZAx5n4AZ_MjqFCkJG0lwGF1N15CzU_cvZsgD5YFNATLHZK/s800/oriental_honey_buzzasrd_12mar19_800w_3980.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0-1w-dZI7YaOognUD14VeqOGs8QUTAywTYfBF0xSAd9I-KCvbJ6SjlWgHVYRp31NivXB4UMLNOGHosFv9ZKdBFZAx5n4AZ_MjqFCkJG0lwGF1N15CzU_cvZsgD5YFNATLHZK/w400-h238/oriental_honey_buzzasrd_12mar19_800w_3980.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crested Honey Buzzard <i>Pernis ptilorhynchus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />With photography still proving tricky several birds had to be left unidentified; Swiftlets, Pond Herons, an accipiter and a Prinia all fell into that category along with a typical Cuckoo seen well but with Himalayan and Indian both possible unable to get to species. Another frustration was a <b>Spotted Wood-owl</b> calling often close to the room at night. Attempts to see it were pretty hopeless though as it stayed in a neighbouring property.<p></p><p>At least one lifer fell here though with a few sightings of <b>Vinous-breasted Starling</b>; a bird it's surprising I've not come across before.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOwDE3OZ6RTWP2uGJF51e71faNfTH97yH6jVqpncC1h64x0IWNuwy0f8L5CK-qUKZ3soxk1sN-aE5dmI0r8__tHWlQYX0dkbtMQ5vgeu_klNOOG34Snz3wu7m8PrYfnBgpa5l/s800/vinous-breasted_starling_11mar19_800l_3970.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="800" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOwDE3OZ6RTWP2uGJF51e71faNfTH97yH6jVqpncC1h64x0IWNuwy0f8L5CK-qUKZ3soxk1sN-aE5dmI0r8__tHWlQYX0dkbtMQ5vgeu_klNOOG34Snz3wu7m8PrYfnBgpa5l/w400-h249/vinous-breasted_starling_11mar19_800l_3970.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vinous-breasted Starling <i>Acridotheres leucocephalus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Other wildlife included a Common Treeshrew, Water Monitors and plenty of butterflies.</div><div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqSc78eBHuVTutJEMXlUx4tuCZgJZcrWqGMZoY_vz9qZBE-zNenkYSz-8qbpDThAGh864cPZ3rfR6hILjlLuvrQZNxe-Bge-srrTiUyJSj5MMvsaQcqr09F59up9Iib6Wp_WX/s848/blue_glassy_tiger_deceased_12mar19_768s_112414.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="848" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqSc78eBHuVTutJEMXlUx4tuCZgJZcrWqGMZoY_vz9qZBE-zNenkYSz-8qbpDThAGh864cPZ3rfR6hILjlLuvrQZNxe-Bge-srrTiUyJSj5MMvsaQcqr09F59up9Iib6Wp_WX/w400-h363/blue_glassy_tiger_deceased_12mar19_768s_112414.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Glassy Tiger <i>Ideopsis vulgaris</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0iJ3n1-M_OimW578F9GNe-6wCQaLJgoY1mKJIjya2Gg7knqguKtxo3MjeoTaMZE3B1TEb97y_l1hEtHmHdrQDhQQQhwAj8GytseJA6rVr2yMkWVGlt-BGxbXiqZoExJEa-ZC/s640/white_tiger_11mar19_640s_3965.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="640" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0iJ3n1-M_OimW578F9GNe-6wCQaLJgoY1mKJIjya2Gg7knqguKtxo3MjeoTaMZE3B1TEb97y_l1hEtHmHdrQDhQQQhwAj8GytseJA6rVr2yMkWVGlt-BGxbXiqZoExJEa-ZC/w400-h364/white_tiger_11mar19_640s_3965.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Tiger <i>Danaus melanippus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><div><br /></div><div><div><div>Just 37 species identified here:</div><div>Lesser Whistling-Duck</div><div>Spotted Dove</div><div>Greater Coucal</div><div>Asian Koel</div><div>Cuculus sp.</div><div>swiftlet sp.</div><div>Grey-headed Swamphen</div><div>White-breasted Waterhen</div><div>Red-wattled Lapwing</div><div>Asian Openbill</div><div>Yellow Bittern</div><div>Purple Heron</div><div>Intermediate Egret</div><div>Little Egret</div><div>Cattle Egret (Eastern)</div><div>pond heron sp.</div><div>Striated Heron (Old World)</div><div>Crested Honey-buzzard</div><div>Shikra</div><div>Accipiter sp.</div><div>Spotted Wood-Owl (Heard only)</div><div>Black-capped Kingfisher</div><div>Indochinese Roller</div><div>Lineated Barbet</div><div>Common Flameback</div><div>Black Drongo</div><div>Greater Racket-tailed Drongo</div><div>Brown Shrike</div><div>Large-billed Crow</div><div>Dark-necked Tailorbird</div><div>prinia sp.</div><div>Pacific Swallow</div><div>Yellow-vented Bulbul</div><div>Streak-eared Bulbul</div><div>Asian Pied Starling</div><div>Common Myna</div><div>Vinous-breasted Starling</div><div>Great Myna</div><div>Oriental Magpie-Robin</div><div>Taiga Flycatcher</div><div>Orange-bellied Flowerpecker</div><div>Olive-backed Sunbird</div></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7498693.post-64973733525635207792019-03-10T09:07:00.004+00:002021-11-14T21:49:05.655+00:00Khanom<p>Khao Sok had been great but was still stretching the budget a bit so we found much cheaper accommodation on the east coast. Getting to Surat Thani by local bus was straightforward enough but if you aren't going to Koh Samui or Ko Pha Ngan onward travel is challenging. The usual problem of multiple bus stations and touts offering private taxis for anything up to 1400 baht (over £30). We finally managed to find a local bus to Khanom town centre, then got the resort to pick us up from there. Total cost 400 baht, saving around £20, and that can go a long way in Thailand.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtbQZNgLnmrw_bpBlIv2zC-RmJU6ZRmyfPDv2D_zYwM-oGUm2FTOw-drwXSJMwb-J82GZQNgHBJFusWFgsdPESJpqmB6Kpp5r_5-JWhhpzVV4PN3A2LeSsqnelxjc_HjrGUWI/s768/bansonmanee_9mar19_768t_155157.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="546" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtbQZNgLnmrw_bpBlIv2zC-RmJU6ZRmyfPDv2D_zYwM-oGUm2FTOw-drwXSJMwb-J82GZQNgHBJFusWFgsdPESJpqmB6Kpp5r_5-JWhhpzVV4PN3A2LeSsqnelxjc_HjrGUWI/s320/bansonmanee_9mar19_768t_155157.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><p>As an alternative to the more expensive and popular islands to the north this quiet stretch of coastline is well off the beaten track and for some reason is especially popular with people from Germany. The beaches are long and sandy and the water warm, but it's as well to be cautious swimming here. I got a very painful jellyfish sting on the arm here and, with Box Jellyfish, while rare, very much a possibility in these waters, it was uncomfortable and nerve racking for a short time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF2mPlwnPZgpYZopRaTBnmtkk6v9LKGVj05eFOXCA5lZNtUZAqwqV9KDcPID_eMDRWnc07RAOiChK_LIiCqrjC7I1WS_ZkCZBSAGuAjpjUy2dUOL0RUpwv5yz1OyBx0AVQU8L/s839/bansonmanee_bungalow_5mar19_768s_150728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="839" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF2mPlwnPZgpYZopRaTBnmtkk6v9LKGVj05eFOXCA5lZNtUZAqwqV9KDcPID_eMDRWnc07RAOiChK_LIiCqrjC7I1WS_ZkCZBSAGuAjpjUy2dUOL0RUpwv5yz1OyBx0AVQU8L/s320/bansonmanee_bungalow_5mar19_768s_150728.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyewQnFpuXrYiUprBr063hn0v4xwGR42OOFMny35cbZrVqSjX5dttHwFp6NFfqpXvySvRNDtWgO-kfre05LlO1noFrNy07HlHWTxsU64XSKQypOECPs4mMsICNiv4g7QEmD8R/s1024/bansonmanee_bungalow_5mar19_1024l_150702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1024" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyewQnFpuXrYiUprBr063hn0v4xwGR42OOFMny35cbZrVqSjX5dttHwFp6NFfqpXvySvRNDtWgO-kfre05LlO1noFrNy07HlHWTxsU64XSKQypOECPs4mMsICNiv4g7QEmD8R/s320/bansonmanee_bungalow_5mar19_1024l_150702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79bl_4RmzyXA5aZcCr8s8GhmWI5qb4UlWB5poH37z6IcPJGxHgo4DcSUOg-Ta_TxtFjiAKuIxAs4-K-AG-EC9wRJdUIoddVmDlQRCASBBpf-qstYPhT1CaXSsKJFaTQUA14dT/s1200/bansonmanee_bungalow_10mar19_1200w_092659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1200" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79bl_4RmzyXA5aZcCr8s8GhmWI5qb4UlWB5poH37z6IcPJGxHgo4DcSUOg-Ta_TxtFjiAKuIxAs4-K-AG-EC9wRJdUIoddVmDlQRCASBBpf-qstYPhT1CaXSsKJFaTQUA14dT/s320/bansonmanee_bungalow_10mar19_1200w_092659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>That aside, our cheap, comfortable wooden bungalow here suited us very nicely, the birding was excellent and we stayed about a week (when the place became fully booked and we were forced to move on). The birding was excellent.</p><p>Among the common birds were plenty of Brahminy Kites, Blue-tailed Bee-eaters, Indochinese Roller, Lineated Barbets, Ashy Minivets etc. Soon had my first views of <b>Common Flameback</b> and they went on to show very well at times.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx2S0dcHrlXNubh3R2MQHnePUNyXbc4uWcVXeo5amZMW7JCalnSUZUd_UKh5JQcJOMbLiLSIxaWbYM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div>Good views of a Black Baza here were my first for years and this rather poor photo is the only record I have of a flyover Painted Stork, something of a scarcity here I think. Large-tailed Nightjar heard in the evenings.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-UssNvIBp3lS2_iyAfVlU1XrpDPGL-OPC1GQuf2C07FEJGdK4KvGbPv1_drG13XT-vhmaP4c2oREFqErNuWBrK-1x6Ba9zyaTI-dCKQf9MSOwGhVikQkg6i2CpdkHriFBWmv/s1024/painted_stork_6mar19_1024w_3915.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1024" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-UssNvIBp3lS2_iyAfVlU1XrpDPGL-OPC1GQuf2C07FEJGdK4KvGbPv1_drG13XT-vhmaP4c2oREFqErNuWBrK-1x6Ba9zyaTI-dCKQf9MSOwGhVikQkg6i2CpdkHriFBWmv/w400-h224/painted_stork_6mar19_1024w_3915.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted Stork <i>Mycteria leucocephala</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>One of the main attractions turned out to be the wetland areas running parallel with the coastal strip just a few tens of meters inland. A few areas of flooding and pools were visible, easiest from the bridge just east of the town centre but also from fields opposite Khanom Cabana Beach Resort along the beach road to the south. There may be other ways of viewing the area from tracks either running west from the coastal road or east from the road south from the town. There's also a minor road to the south linking those two main roads but viewing from here was less productive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDriIJ62UT6QQRfhoKWCJc5l2l0fmPk74iESo3pymdcbQssDRiWliCkAoQoF3mxd2FGeqDolf2YNqGxem_0KIGvLlhOX_5S2IBv6VlY7CqaJ2nQEbXL5tHdYl9M1E7hQ6EmM7/s1200/khanom_wetland_bridge_9mar19_1200w_3937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1200" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDriIJ62UT6QQRfhoKWCJc5l2l0fmPk74iESo3pymdcbQssDRiWliCkAoQoF3mxd2FGeqDolf2YNqGxem_0KIGvLlhOX_5S2IBv6VlY7CqaJ2nQEbXL5tHdYl9M1E7hQ6EmM7/w400-h253/khanom_wetland_bridge_9mar19_1200w_3937.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Only one other lifer revealed itself here with several sightings of <b>Cinnamon Bittern</b>. A much more secretive bird than Yellow Bittern (also seen here a few times). Other highlights here were Lesser Whistling Duck, Pink-necked Green-pigeon, Grey-headed Swamphen, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Wood Sandpiper, Oriental Pratincole, Purple Heron, Black-winged Kite and Black-browed Reed Warbler. Almost all proved too difficult to photograph with my equipment sadly.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWBh6fBsNwfYcmn0USTZhWu1ly_p-PmmSOGpEm_4ZD8kS8_niooJmF_aJelNzUAuZivFdTbLYRzM0GIWRnsl48yePUrPj5yNKbMmg7PxHsscCqkZOUT8NVIsKAVx7i5hSvfPH/s768/little_cormorant_6mar19_768p_3916.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="585" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWBh6fBsNwfYcmn0USTZhWu1ly_p-PmmSOGpEm_4ZD8kS8_niooJmF_aJelNzUAuZivFdTbLYRzM0GIWRnsl48yePUrPj5yNKbMmg7PxHsscCqkZOUT8NVIsKAVx7i5hSvfPH/w305-h400/little_cormorant_6mar19_768p_3916.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Cormorant <i>Microcarbo niger</i></td></tr></tbody></table>A scooter proved very useful here, for quicker access to the wetlands, trips into town for supplies and a couple of excursions to nearby areas in the hills to the south. A couple of waterfalls in the hills were fun with cool water at both but few birds of note.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OWc8VJUnG8QcdLqn14K1XskQEbGU3nwapvM3CAwuUtoTSqCPMyHuZoZcvxF_HZsbEpU5xPIny3R5WCjK6Em_b6T3LahnVITxemH0M46At6G3UOtt2e1oI_UFLxtXyED-Fl-n/s768/samet_chun_waterfall_6mar19_768p_145115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="584" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OWc8VJUnG8QcdLqn14K1XskQEbGU3nwapvM3CAwuUtoTSqCPMyHuZoZcvxF_HZsbEpU5xPIny3R5WCjK6Em_b6T3LahnVITxemH0M46At6G3UOtt2e1oI_UFLxtXyED-Fl-n/w304-h400/samet_chun_waterfall_6mar19_768p_145115.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We also went up a fairly arduous steep road to Dat Fa Mountain viewpoint, which proved quite a strain for the little scooter. Dogs kept us from the very top unfortunately but we did see Crested Serpent Eagle, Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo and Plume-toed Swiftlets.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally one morning I saw this sadly deceased (non-venomous) Indochinese Rat Snake by the roadside.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGjN2NvtrsOHFJqpCltbxlWqKNBaoflLUXyX6aeQS-U8UvDbvAMYFTOXiFAKR_tIPB0FQtNaaNVNspzqy6xMjQQOXIItwX68qmoCP2DGVjM2MUAfQ_XJ36kWjl0osSVxLgpyx/s1024/indochinese_rat_snake_7mar19_1024w_3923.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1024" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGjN2NvtrsOHFJqpCltbxlWqKNBaoflLUXyX6aeQS-U8UvDbvAMYFTOXiFAKR_tIPB0FQtNaaNVNspzqy6xMjQQOXIItwX68qmoCP2DGVjM2MUAfQ_XJ36kWjl0osSVxLgpyx/s320/indochinese_rat_snake_7mar19_1024w_3923.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Indochinese Rat Snake </span><i>Ptyas korros</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Total of 65 species:</div>Lesser Whistling-Duck<br />Spotted Dove<br />Zebra Dove<br />Pink-necked Green-Pigeon<br />Greater Coucal<br />Asian Koel<br />Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo<br />Large-tailed Nightjar<br />Plume-toed Swiftlet<br />Germain's Swiftlet<br />House Swift<br />Asian Palm-Swift<br />Common Moorhen<br />Grey-headed Swamphen<br />White-breasted Waterhen<br />Black-winged Stilt<br />Red-wattled Lapwing<br />Pheasant-tailed Jacana<br />Wood Sandpiper<br />Oriental Pratincole<br />Asian Openbill<br />Painted Stork<br />Little Cormorant<br />Yellow Bittern<br /><b>Cinnamon Bittern</b><br />Purple Heron<br />Great White Egret<br />Intermediate Egret<br />Little Egret<br />Cattle Egret<br />Chinese Pond Heron<br />Black-winged Kite<br />Black Baza<br />Crested Serpent-Eagle<br />Shikra<br />Brahminy Kite<br />Common Kingfisher<br />White-throated Kingfisher<br />Blue-tailed Bee-eater<br />Indochinese Roller<br />Lineated Barbet<br /><b>Common Flameback</b><br />Ashy Minivet<br />Black-naped Oriole<br />Common Iora<br />Malaysian Pied-Fantail<br />Black Drongo<br />Brown Shrike<br />Large-billed Crow<br />Common Tailorbird<br />Black-browed Reed Warbler<br />Barn Swallow<br />Pacific Swallow<br />Yellow-vented Bulbul<br />Streak-eared Bulbul<br />Common Myna<br />Great Myna<br />Asian Brown Flycatcher<br />Oriental Magpie-Robin<br />Orange-bellied Flowerpecker<br />Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker<br />Brown-throated Sunbird<br />Olive-backed Sunbird<br />Baya Weaver<br />Eurasian Tree Sparrow</div><div><br /></div></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452775489977604159noreply@blogger.com0